Hello and welcome to the last newsletter for 2023.

Although the year has brought much anxiety for many with regard to the economic situation we do hope you have found some respite from your art. We also hope the various Tuesday demonstrations and evening workshops have helped to rekindle any mojo that may have been lost on the way.

To help even more to keep momentum going a number of members were able to attend the Saturday Acrylic workshop with Carole Massey plus a pastel workshop with Teresa Seals. Two excellent tutors and a great opportunity to work with at a local venue. Do look up their website if you would like to find out more about both these artists.

Personally I have not worked much in either acrylics or pastels so great to have some guidance. Who knows, I may get to grips with both mediums and enter a masterpiece of each medium in the Annual Exhibition – well, may not be a masterpiece but hopefully presentable.

On that note, moving on to –

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

The final meeting for 2023 will be on Tuesday 12th December when we welcome Ian Last who perhaps you have met at past Art on the Prom events. He will be demonstrating and offering Hints and tips on working in graphite pencil. Notebooks at the ready!

Carole Massey, Group President’s challenge – During part of the evening Carole will announce winner and award a prize supplied by her good self. She has said it will be difficult to choose!

Although Carole has printed out members work who have submitted their entries on line, there is nothing like seeing the real thing so do bring along your originals.

Now to 2024 –

Saturday 13th 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.

The change to a Saturday afternoon for this social event, was very much welcomed last January and requested that it continue.  This free afternoon will consist of a raffle, plus a variety of entertaining activities (well, we hope they are!). Also being an afternoon, afternoon tea!

Please bring one small plate of goodies and if you could arrive about 1.45pm for a 2.00pm start that would be good. Soft drinks, tea and coffee will be supplied by the Group.

Back to subject of demonstrations –

The first meeting of 2024 at Broadway House will be on

Tuesday 23rd January – Gillian Lait will be demonstrating The art of Zentangle. (Bring small sketch pad and pencil)

Tuesday 13th February – Tony Osler will be demonstrating in watercolour ‘Sand, pebbles, rocks’

Tuesday 27th February – Members drawing challenge. This ties in well with the various forms of drawing we have looked at during the programme.

Just a reminder of the three categories and guidelines: 

A decorated letter / Pair of shoes / Set of keys

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.

Gallery changeover 2024 Wednesday 17th January 10.15 until 11.45am

Up to 2 works per member with fee £1 per work (payable when bringing in work on the 17th)

Max size 28″ x”28″. Once again, due to space, please do consider entering only one max size and perhaps one smaller work.

Please ensure details of work you wish to submit includes your name, title of work, price, medium plus, and this is important, size –

These details must be provided not later than Thursday 11th January.

This enables labels to be prepared and estimate if enough space for all work members wish to submit. Details, (no special form required) may be placed in box under bench which displays various Group notices at downstairs gallery space provided at Suffolk Living.

Wish to mail? – Then call membership secretary’s number found on back of programme card for address (such personal details excluded for newsletters that appear on Group’s website to avoid past issues).

Thursday painting at Conservative Club 2.00 – 4.00pm

The last session takes place on Thursday 21st December with sessions recommencing on Thursday 4th January 2024.

This just leaves me to say Seasonal Greetings to you all and my sincere thanks to all who help with running of the Group.

Enjoy your journey in art, wherever it may take you

Yvonne

(Chairman)