Welcome to the latest edition of your newsletter.

First up is: Oil painting workshop with Graham Webber – Saturday 5th February 10.30am until 3.00pm

Just a reminder of venue location etc.

• • Memorial Hall, High Road, Trimley St Martin (next to Sports and Social Club)
  • Free on site parking plus bus stop nearby
  • Venue open at 10.00am for a prompt 10.30am start
  • Free tea and coffee available all day. Please bring packed lunch

Looking forward to our first workshop of 2022!

Thursday painting at Conservative Club, Felixstowe, 1.00-3.00pm

Thanks must go to Margery Shaw for volunteering to oversee the accounting side of things, Maureen Newton to oversee refreshments plus Chris Robinson and Alan Mayes continuing to assist with the tables. This all helps to continue in the smooth running of the afternoons.

Bent Hill Gallery

Although Central Government have relaxed rules regarding face coverings, we think you might very well agree that in such a small space it would be prudent to continue wearing them when someone wishes to enter the gallery plus maintain restriction of numbers entering as previously set out.

Regarding changeover.

As last year. no changeover planned for January. This gives the gallery team a break as six weeks does seem to come around all too soon. Plus gives opportunity for any work to be carried out, such as touching up display panels, general clean etc.

During the December changeover thought was given to finish time as often 6+ hours have gone by by the time all work has been collected/delivered and hung.

With this in mind the next changeover is: Monday 28th February, 9.30 until 11.30am giving a 2 hour window for collection/delivery of work which we think you will agree is ample time. Hanging of work can get underway and labels typed up a little earlier.

Please note: as the Post Office is only available to obtain cash during their trading hours, please direct customers to the outside machines located at Lloyds Bank or Barclays.

Thank you!

Now on to the Tuesday evening programme

Meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe, 7.30pm

8th February

Val and Alan Bourne will be presenting an illustrated talk on Minsmere all about the wonderful wildlife, the habitats they live in and the work that goes on at the site.

You may recall mention about a request by Val and Alan regarding two charities they are undertaking to help. The first one is collecting non-feather duvets for the Dogs Trust. For the second one they are collecting towels for the Surgery at the Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns. The towels are used to wrap injured birds in so their wounds can be attended to.

Perhaps bring any items along to the evening or call 079560 64409 and collection can be arranged.

22nd February: Carole Massey will be demonstrating Pastels over Acrylic. Some members will have met Carole at one of her workshops she tutors in the Suffolk area and beyond and more are planned for 2022.

8th March: Long awaited for sure is the Malcolm Laurie drawing challenge.  The three categories are Pals / Pots / Playtime.

Just a reminder of the guidelines, especially as it is sometime since we have had the opportunity to hold such an evening –

• • members may enter one drawing per category
  • drawing to be in monochrome using a pencil, ink, or charcoal.
  • each entry to be mounted but not framed, up to a maximum of 20″ x 16″ including mount.
  • for artist to remain incognito, please sign the back of work only
  • please hand entries in at the door by 7.40pm
  • please kindly note all works must not infringe copyright or have been previously shown at the Group’s gallery or Annual Exhibition

This event is not just a challenge to draw a particular subject depicting light, dark and shades in between using a humble pencil, stick of charcoal or ink pen, but a pleasant evening to get together. Even if you are not entering a drawing do come along, vote for your favourite in each category and see who, in each category, is awarded a trophy and prize with the runner up being awarded a prize.

Returning to the topic of galleries:

142 Gallery in Hamilton Road are once again holding their Open Call Art Exhibition where there are prizes to be won.

The exhibition is from 11th until 22nd March and this year the theme is Candlelight. Further information is available at the gallery (theirs not ours!) or google 142 gallery.art

Good luck. One year one of our members, Paul Tonks, won a free week to exhibit his work

Oh dear, once again, running out of space so on closing I would like to say thank you for the many best wishes following my accident and help at the Group’s gallery. Kindness indeed.

Yvonne (Chairman)

Keep enjoying your journey in art