With a variety of raffle prizes, prizes for activities, selection of goodies to eat, the recent New Year Social at Trimley Memorial Hall was (with great relief to Liz and myself !) enjoyed by those members and guests who were able to come along. Thanks to all who pitched in to assist with tables etc at the end of the afternoon.
Committee changes ahead
Chairmanship – after a great deal thought as Group’s Chairman, for a variety of reasons I must now step down from this role. It has been a privilege to work with the Committee who give their time and effort on behalf of members.
This particular role will now be held by Jim Lait so thank you in buckets Jim for agreeing to take up this role. Be assured I will be on hand to answer any queries you may have Jim.
This now leads to putting a call out for a
Vice Chairman. – The purpose of this role is to act as a sounding board for Chairman, share occasional tasks if required and chairing a Committee meeting if Chairman not available. Committee meetings are held once or twice a year plus AGM.
Leading on to Annual Exhibition matters …
Exhibition Manager. Jim will be stepping down in this role at the forthcoming AGM. This is a role which he has held for quite a few years and sincerely hopes someone will carry on with this important event in the Group’s calendar which is not only to sell/showcase works but a great opportunity for members and visitors to talk about art and gain information about Group. Jim will of course be available for any questions/help for anyone agreeing to fill this vacancy.
As you are already aware we do need
Annual Exhibition Secretary. Despite several call outs to members no volunteer forthcoming.
Assistant Annual Exhibition Secretary – One member who might be able to fill this role but not absolute.
Another possibility is 3 or 4 members could work together on this important event.
As with any role, be it paid or volunteer, guidelines on any requests for volunteers is a must so attached with this newsletter you will find such information.
Liz D’arville, who was Group’s Annual Exhibition Secretary and myself as Assistant, have been working on producing a file on various Committee roles for such a purpose.
Jim will continue being part of the Social Painting Sessions Team as well as Liz and myself continue as Social Secretaries. I will also continue with bi-monthly newsletters for as long as my computer behaves!
Last but not least –
Tuesday evening Technical Assistant
Once more (5th time) we request for a volunteer to step forward for this (non committee) role to assist as and when required setting up camera and projector on Tuesday evenings if Graham not available. To call upon someone at such occasional times would lift a huge weight off Graham’s shoulders
As with many clubs/groups Felixstowe Art Group is run by volunteers to be successful therefore please, please, let us see the vacancies described filled and the Group be in a position to continue providing, in a variety of ways, Art in the Community from beginners to professionals.
Moving on, we now look forward to meetings at Broadway House ….
Broadway House, Orwell Road. 7.30pm, Members £1, visitors £2
Tuesday 10th February –
Ian Piper, President of Pure Watercolour Society, will be demonstrating and giving lots of hints and tips when working in this particular medium
Tuesday 24th February –
Members drawing challenge -Just a reminder of the three categories and guidelines
A quiet moment / Easter eggs / Jar of coffee and spoon
(You may enter one drawing in each category)
Guidelines
- members may enter one drawing per category
- drawing to be in monochrome using graphite pencil, ink, or charcoal
- each entry mounted – but not framed – up to maximum of 20″ x 16″ including mount
- for artist to remain incognito please write your name and category on back of work only
- entries handed in at the door by 7.40pm
- please avoid infringing copyright or enter work that was in the 2025 Annual Exhibition
Even if you are not entering a drawing it is an opportunity to view other members work, maybe inspired to have a go another year, vote for your favourite, enjoy light refreshment as well as see who, in each category, is awarded a trophy and prize with a runner up being awarded a prize.
Continuing theme of challenges – results of Group President’s Challenge – Night Life
Winner was John Hawks with runner up being William Smith.
Highly Commended – Gillian Lait, Fran Hicks and Kitty Moss.
Once again Carole commented on the variety and standard of work and very pleased the number of entries has grown over the time she has been offering such challenges.
Now to an event where members had opportunity to showcase/sell their work
142 Gallery Hamilton Road
Tracy Laudat, who volunteered to organise this event, has finalised admin on this and looks forward to meeting members exhibiting on intake afternoon which is Wednesday 4th March.
- Exhibition opens Thursday 5th March until Wednesday 11th March
- Opening times – Thursday to Tuesday 10.00am until 4.00pm
- Wednesday 10.00am until 1,00pm
Social painting afternoons, Memorial Hall, Trimley St Martin 1.30- 4.00pm
Whilst on subject of Group activities please note due to Panto performances by Trimley Saints Players, at the Memorial Hall, Trimley St Martin, there will be no Social Painting on Friday 27th February
Moving on to news of the final 2025 Social Painting meeting which saw members having the opportunity to enter a Christmas card competition. Favourite chosen by members – Jim Lait’s ‘Old fashioned street lamp’. Second a Zentangle inspired robin by Linda Haggar. Third by Linda Evans, a collage ‘Christmas landscape’
As this was first Seasonal meeting held at new venue it was decided to hold a raffle – Helen was very pleased with her Gonk!
There was certainly a festive feel with Christmas music, lights and goodies to consume. Members very pleased with afternoon, lots of smiles and they looked forward to returning on 9th January 2026 to continue creating, catching up on news and no doubt enjoying a cuppa or two!
and we all enjoy exploring art in its many forms
Best wishes
Yvonne (Chairman)