Hello and welcome to the last newsletter for 2024.

As I sit at my desk this afternoon I think of the changes Group members have seen as well as sad news of two recent deaths. One being life drawing model Kaz who for many years modelled for the Group. Her poses had a flavour of dance and it always amazes me how anyone can stay so still for so long.

A more recent passing as we know was Ken Cuthbert aged 95 years. A card offering our condolences to his wife Mavis was sent on behalf of members plus a donation to the St Elizabeth Hospice has been made.

Ken was a member of the Group a good many years during which time until 2007 played an active role in the running of the Group as did Mavis. Ken was also an excellent art tutor and a number of members benefited from his classes.  I am sure on 7th January 2.15pm at Seven Hills Crematorium there will be a large gathering of family and friends.

Another change was the vacation of gallery space at Suffolk Living. Although it was a blow to loose not only Bent Hill Gallery last year followed by Suffolk Living this year we continue to strive to offer members opportunities to showcase and sell their work if they so wish. One such time was …..

The one day exhibition at the Old Felixstowe Community Centre

Saturday 23rd November was certainly a very blustery wet day. However despite this and consequential low footfall, 12 works were sold plus 59 cards. Thank you to all who brought along work plus members for stewarding. Another opportunity coming up in 2025 is …..

142 Gallery Hamilton Road

Members will be pleased to know that with the help from member of committee Tracy Laudat, the Group will be exhibiting at above gallery from Thursday 15th May until Wednesday 21st May 2025.

• • Set up will be the afternoon of Wednesday 14th May
  • collection of unsold work Wednesday 21st May early afternoon.
  • Deadline for sending details of entries will be Wednesday 16th April.

As well as exhibits there will be demonstrations/have a go sessions Further details will follow in due course. In the meantime, we hope with drawing challenge in February, Annual Exhibition poster competition in April, 142 Gallery booking plus Annual Exhibition in August, there is plenty on offer to inspire you to create.

Spreading the word of Group activities …..

Group’s dedicated Facebook page

With thanks to Tracy we have a new member Ruth, who has set up a Facebook page (No personal details such as contact details will be shown) So along with Group’s website, local magazines sent information by Janet Woodard, Group’s Publicity Secretary, this all helps to spread the word about activities of the Group as well as spread the load on members who help in many ways with running of the Group.

Do take a look, let others know about the page. We know some members also help to promote the Group on social media, so keep this up too please.

Whilst on subject of Group activities

Thursday painting afternoons, Conservative Club (downstairs) 2.00 – 4.00pm

The last session takes place on Thursday 19th December with sessions recommencing on Thursday 9th January 2025 when no doubt members will enjoy getting back together to enjoy these afternoons.

Tuesday evening meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road, 7.30pm

The final meeting of 2024 was on Tuesday 10th December when we welcomed Chris Parfitt who gives much of his time visiting different areas here on our small island plus countries around the world, soaking in the different cultures, their art, crafts and architecture. This year he took us on his Peruvian visit which included fine examples of crafts and paintings of this varied country.

The evening also saw Carole Massey, Group’s President, announce her favourite painting from the entries she received for her Group President’s challenge – a portrait of a human or animal you know, in medium of choice and award a prize. Carole said a total of 15 super entries were received, but after much deliberation she announced the winner (with the necessary long pause !) which was Fran Hicks for her entry ‘Screen Time’ in coloured pencils. This year it was decided to include a runner up prize, as we do for the Group’s drawing challenge. So congratulations to (another pause) Marina Brookes for her entry ‘Bernie’ in charcoal.

An excellent evening to round off 2024 Tuesday meetings

Now to 2025 –

Saturday 18th January 2.00 – 4.00pm – New Year Social afternoon for members and their guest(s)

• • Venue Memorial Hall, High Road, Trimley St Martin, IP11 0RJ (next door to Sports and Social Club)
  • Free on site parking behind the Hall. (Please avoid parking at the Social Club)
  • Bus stop nearby which is served by 75 and 77 buses.

This free afternoon will consist of a raffle, plus a various activities – which we hope you will find enjoyable! Also being an afternoon, there will be afternoon tea (will stretch to coffee plus soft drink for anyone who no like tea!) supplied by the Group.

Please bring one small plate of goodies and please arrive about 1.45pm for a 2.00pm start

The first meeting of 2025 at Broadway House will be on

Tuesday 28th January – Gareth Lee will be demonstrating ‘How to create character drawing’. Bring small sketch pad and pencil to have a go during the evening.

Tuesday 11th February – members only:  Life drawing with male model. Short and longer poses. Please note this is an untutored session.

Tuesday 25th February –  Members drawing challenge. Just a reminder of the three categories and guidelines – Creature(s) of the sea /Three leaves / Pot of art brushes

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 2023 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.

My sincere thanks to all who help with activities of the Group.

Seasonal Greetings and may we all continue to enjoy our journey in art, wherever that may take us

Yvonne

(Chairman)