It is some time since I last wrote but we now have two amazing committee members who have taken on the challenge to more regularly update the website, namely Mila and Lyse. Thank you both. Please spread the link and don’t forget to ‘share’ our facebook news so that we may spread the word about the fantastic club that we are.
Since my last blog we have welcomed 11 new members and they are celebrated on the facebook page.
The Winter Exhibition held at Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows was an outstanding success both in number of exhibitors, work sold and visitors comments. This was a first time venue for us and it is safe to say that we will be returning next year. The Jeff Connell Award was presented to not one, not two but to three outstanding pieces of work. Well done to artists Tony Milner, Robbie Burns and Lynn Packer.
Our club nights over the past few months have been increasingly well attended with more than 50 members at the October meeting. Committee member Pat has done a stirling job at locating guest speakers and recently we have had such a variety of demonstrations in the arts of watercolour, figure drawing, oils and next month will be abstract. After the AGM in June, life member Murray Campbell entertained us with a talk on the establishing of Art Group Nelson or Nelson Independent Artists as it was once known some 52 years ago.
However missing out on the Golden Anniversary due to Covid, 50 years of Art in the Park will be truly celebrated in January 2023. I hope you are all preparing your best work for this. Sign up quick because spaces are sure to be popular. The event this year is being managed by Gilly, so give her your support for this big event.
The first Saturday in October saw three members run an ‘Art for All’ at Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows and was enjoyed by adults and children alike. Thanks to Karen, Joy and Gay for donating their time and enthusiasm.
Several of our members were chosen to exhibit at the Tasman National Art Awards at Mapua which is growing more popular each year with valuable prizes on offer. This year Glenis has coordinated some great workshops covering the use of palette knife, watercolour journalling and at the end of the month there will be a colour mixing workshop – all run by member Nicole Russell. If any of you feel you would like to run a workshop from a half day or longer please contact our new workshop Coordinator Lyse.
Robbie continues to write and distribute our monthly newsletter as well as managing memberships, name tags and now art salesman. Thank you Robbie. Donated art materials by a past member have proved popular, so if you are having a spring clean and have no further use for certain materials please bring them to a club night to sell or donate to club funds. (Cash only)
Well that’s all for now folks, please continue to send me your valued comments.
Karen Loten
President Art Group Nelson
October 12, 2