Category Archives: Newsletter

Members Newsletter: March/April 2024

Welcome to your Group Members newsletter.  Although snowdrops now returning to their long sleep, drifts of yellow now are a joy to see, summer time begins and soon it will be Group’s AGM to round off the current programme year.

With this latest newsletter you will find two attachments relating to AGM and renewal ….. Agenda for forthcoming AGM on Tuesday 23rd April, 7.30pm at Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe and the Minutes of AGM 2023.

You will shortly, if not already, receive your Membership renewal form. I do hope you will be renewing for another year of demonstrations, talks, work evenings, painting sessions and exhibiting opportunities, However, in order for you to be aware of important changes please note –

During a committee meeting a while ago, discussion took place on the long standing issue of the perceived imbalance between the benefits enjoyed by members who attend the Thursday meetings and those who attend the Tuesday meetings, namely Thursday attendees pay for the privilege while the Tuesday evening meetings are free.

This imbalance also applies to exhibiting at the gallery where members pay a hanging fee whereas those that enter work to be hung at the Annual Exhibition do not.

The outcome from which it was unanimously decided to address this imbalance by introducing a £1 charge from May 2024 for Tuesday evening meetings with visitors charge to currently remain at £2 along with a hanging fee of £1 per work for the Annual Exhibition. Currently there will be no charge for unframed work and the three social activities, namely, Saturday New Year Social, Drawing challenge and Group’s AGM.

The committee feel it is a fair way to address this imbalance and sincerely hope this does not deter you renewing your membership and enjoying being a member of the Felixstowe Art Group.

Looking at other changes –

I am very pleased to say two volunteers stepped forward to assist the running of the Group. One further enquiry was received but subsequently withdrawn due to unexpected change of circumstances.

Publicity SecretaryJanet Woodard volunteered for this role plus Tuesday evening Technical Assistant. With no other volunteers coming forward, Janet was co-opted before AGM to commence producing articles for Spotlight/Flyer/ Town Council magazine, with immediate effect. Thank you Janet, it is greatly appreciated and a relief for this role to be filled.

Programme SecretaryThank you Tony Osler for volunteering for this role assisted by myself. As with Janet, it is greatly appreciated and a relief for this role to be filled.

Group secretaryDisappointed this position remains unfilled.

Role of Group secretary

Unlike some organisations whereby the secretarial role requires a great deal of work, this role has been sliced down to ensure it is manageable with Liz D’arville dealing with website enquiries as they are 99% about membership with any other enquiries passed on to me in my role a Group’s Chairman. Bi-monthly newsletters plus supplements that may be required and venue bookings will also continue to be dealt with by me.

Role itself now consists of –

  • Distribution via email members bi-monthly newsletters (and the very occasional supplement as required)
  • Members not on email will currently be dealt with by David to hand deliver to local members and mail non-local
  • Annual print run of Membership renewal forms / Annual Exhibition pack / Annual Exhibition favourite painting slip.
  • From time to time, other printing requirements such as membership form needing to be restocked and could be shared with David Tennant if preferred.
  • A wireless printer will be supplied and ink plus paper expenses covered.

This position could certainly be shared with one member dealing with distribution of newsletters and another member dealing with printing.

Please do give some serious thought about supporting the Group in this role.

Regarding committee meetings these have been reduced to one after the Annual Exhibition and the main AGM. Most matters are dealt with via email unless absolutely essential a face to face meeting is required.

Although I have spent some time endeavouring to set out information on above role without rambling, please use contact details on the back of your programme card or reply via Chris who is sending out this newsletter and will forward any question/offer of your help.

We cannot fully succeed running the Group to its full potential without you.

Suffolk Living gallery space

Thank you to members who submitted work at the latest changeover. Although sales are down it is good to know members are not discouraged to exhibit their work as it all helps to maintain a high profile of Group activities.

The next changeover will be Wednesday 8th May, 10.15 until 11.45am.

Details giving your name, title, price and medium can be left in box under bench in gallery area downstairs and will be required by Thursday 2nd May.

Tuesday evening Drawing challenge meeting

I am delighted to announce results of the various entries voted as members favourite –

Decorated letter of the alphabet  – Trophy and prize awarded to Gillian Lait with prize awarded to Gillian Richie as runner up

Pair of shoes – Trophy and prize awarded to Fran Hicks with prize awarded to Joanna Albareian as runner up

Set of keys – Trophy and prize awarded to Marina Jacobs with prize awarded to Rowena Kerslake as runner up.

The evening was very well attended and certainly worth the effort to organise. Another such evening is offered in the 2024/25 Tuesday evening programme.

Another much enjoyed evening was Chris Parfitt’s illustrated talk ‘Bhutan’s Arts and Crafts’. Not only did we view fine examples of art, including beautifully decorated buildings, inside and out, Chris also brought along a selection of craft work, such detail and combination of colours. Members found the evening most inspiring.

See you soon

Yvonne

(Chairman)

MEMBERS NEWSLETTER January/February 2024

Welcome to first 2024 edition of Group Members newsletter. Do hope you had a pleasant Christmas and New Year, however spent. Now straight on to Art Group matters.

Suffolk Living gallery space

Recent changeover went smoothly. Sales are, along with many other art outlets and retail in general, now rather slow. However we thank members who exhibit so we can continue providing a variety of work and be a contact point for information such as membership. Speaking of membership there has been a number of people joining the Group – welcome to you all. Several came along to the New Year Social which was much enjoyed by members and their guests. Before moving on – Next changeover details for you to note in your diary:

  • Thursday, 7th March 2024 – deadline for details to be received
  • Wednesday 13th March – 10.15 – 11.45am – work to be handed in

As you know, in order to exhibit work in our Annual Exhibition – and Suffolk Living gallery space – your hung work must be tightly strung using not only picture nylon cord, but also D-rings – no eyelet or ‘saw’ fixings to be used.

We appreciate using D-rings can, on occasion, cause a thin frame to split but this can be resolved by a product called ‘Hang it’. These are clipped to the backing board and cord attached through the loops of the clip.

Suppliers of Hang it include Lamden Gallery, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich and Deben Frames in Martlesham, both relatively local plus several on line outlets, such as Lord of the Frames (previously D&S Frames) lordoftheframes.co.uk and key in Hang it. Clips come in two sizes suitable for 2mm backing board and 3mm backing board. Most popular are the 2mm.

We do hope you find the above helpful – thank you Liz, Group membership secretary and Annual Exhibition administrator for helping with gathering information on this.

Meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road, 7.30pm

Our first meeting of the year was a great success with 26 people arriving to experience Zentangle. Gillian Lait, an accredited Zentangle tutor, led us gently through the process of producing various patterns. At times all went very quiet indeed as we immersed ourselves working. ……… You will be pleased to know that Gillian has been booked for Zentangle Part 2 on Tuesday 28th May!

Yes, I have already been working on the 2024/25 Group Programme and most dates have been filled with a variety of subjects plus, as requested, a couple more work evenings.

Current programmed meetings-

  • Tuesday 13th February 7.30pm Tony Osler – demonstrating ‘Sand, pebbles and rocks in watercolour’
  • Tuesday 27th February 7.30pm – Members drawing challenge – the 3 categories are – A decorated letter of the alphabet / A pair of shoes / A set of keys

Gentle reminder –

  • Members may enter one drawing per category / Drawing to be produced in graphite pencil, ink or charcoal
  • To remain incognito write your name and category on back of work only
  • Each entry mounted but not framed up to max of 20″ x 16″ / Entries handed in at door by 7.40pm
  • Please do not enter work that was in the 2023 Annual Exhibition

Not entering? Do still come along, vote for your favourite in each category, enjoy light refreshments as well as see who, in each category is awarded a trophy and prize and runner up awarded a prize.

Important – Forthcoming changes

As with many groups, change comes about, especially when volunteers, due for whatever reason,  need to stand down. Christopher Robinson, after a number of years, for personal reasons, is standing down as Group Secretary and Tuesday evening technician.

Group secretary: This is not as onerous as one might think as it now consists mainly of sending out, upon receipt from me, of members bi-monthly newsletters and any supplements which may be required if information needs to be circulated before next main newsletter.  Chris emails to members in about 4 batches so certainly does not mean sending individually, which would take far too much time! The minority of members not on email are sent hard copies.  Plus from time to time, printing items such as membership forms. Expenses such as ink and paper are reimbursed. The Group provide a printer.

Tuesday evening meetings: Along with Graham, Chris sets up screen, camera and projector as and when required at various, but not all, meetings. Graham has kindly agreed to take on main role but we still need a volunteer to assist him with room set up and often helping bring presenters equipment in but he cannot do it all on his own. Liz and myself pitch in with preparing refreshments area, shifting chairs etc as much as possible.

Publicity secretary: There have been several call outs for a volunteer which unfortunately still has not produced a response. I have been covering this role as and when possible, but the time has come for someone to step up. All we are asking is for someone to write a piece, limit 250 words, so not reams of text, with information of what Group are doing and send to Flyer and Spotlight once a month and quarterly article to Felixstowe Town Council newsletter which is about 350 words. Much of the information will of course be about programme, but could also include a short piece about presenter of talk/demo, Annual Exhibition, etc. so you won’t be short of material! Some previous articles as well as contact information will be passed on to you.

I will continue with posters etc for various information boards, and assist Liz with Annual Exhibition matters. Having someone deal with the monthly/quarterly matters will be a huge weight off my shoulders.

Programme secretary: Having completed the Group’s 2024/25 Tuesday evening programme, after 11 years in the role it is time for me to stand back and another member take the helm. As well as passing on current contact details etc I am happy to offer support floating ideas for subjects and presenters. This role could of course be carried out by a couple of friends working together. Once the programme is planned the information is sent to Liz D’arville for typing and printing ready for distribution. A copy also to me plus fee information in order to arrange payment.

Note 1 Does not require booking venue. Dates would be sent to you

Note 2Not absolutely essential to attend Tuesday evening meetings if not always possible or if at all

Again, this would be a huge help to me personally as well as the Group for this role to be filled.

One final note – Committee meetings have been reduced to one after the Annual Exhibition and the main AGM Most matters are dealt with via email unless absolutely essential a face to face meeting is required.

Thanks go to members continuing their various roles in Thursday afternoon painting sessions at Conservative Club, Annual Exhibition, Membership, Treasurer, Web management, General assistance.

Although I have spent some time endeavouring to set out information on above roles without rambling, please use contact details on the back of your programme card or reply via Chris who is sending out this newsletter if any questions or to offer your help. We cannot fully succeed running the Group to its full potential without you.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Yvonne

(Chairman)

MEMBERS NEWSLETTER: November /December2023

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 FebruaryMembers 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)

MEMBERS NEWSLETTER: September/October 2023

Welcome to the latest edition of your newsletter.

Meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road

Well we almost had standing room only for Carole Massey’s demonstration ‘Acrylic Adventure’.

Carole explained that acrylics are one of the most versatile of painting mediums. They can be used thinly like watercolours, brushed on straight from the tube or used very thickly in an ‘impasto’ way with a palette knife. Also successful for collage as the polymer in the paint acts like a glue and a good reason not to leave acrylic paint on brushes as it will dry very quickly and ruin your brushes. There are also many gels and mediums that can be added to create texture or change the surface or lustre of the paint.

Feedback has been that it was an excellent evening and several members have already booked the Group’s workshop.

Saturday workshops

Although information has already been relayed to you here is a reminder of where, when and what

Anne PlummerAnother popular evening was held back in June with requests for a workshop – We obliged! –

    • Capturing images and reflections in glass in acrylics
    • Saturday 7th October 10.00-1.00pm
    • Fee – Members – £25 Non members welcome – fee – £30
    • Deadline to book 30th September

Carole Masseytutoring a workshop as follow up to her demonstration

    • Acrylic adventure
    • Saturday 28th October 10.30am – 3.00pm
    • Fee – Members – £25 Non members welcome – fee – £30
    • Deadline to book 14th October

Both these workshops are suitable for beginners and/or improvers and a great opportunity as a follow up to their respective demonstrations at what, we hope, is a reasonable fee, which incidentally includes tea and coffee, you just need to bring packed lunch along with materials. If you don’t have everything on the list sent to you there will be someone who will kindly let you have a dip of your brush in their paint etc.

The venue for both workshops is:

Memorial Hall, High Road, Trimley St Martin, IP11 0RJ (next to Sports and Social Club)

Free on site parking Bus stop very nearby (75/77)

Booking and payment

Members – contact the membership secretary

Non members – please use the contacts page on this website

Now to Carole Massey, Group’s President’s challenge ……

Title – Something that makes me smile . This could be a landscape, a view of the sea, portrait of a family member, child, pet, sunrise, slice of cake, in fact anything that makes you smile.

Any medium on paper, max size 12″ x 15″. Work mounted but not framed Deadline – November 30th

Winner will be announced, and prize presented at the Group’s meeting at Broadway House on Tuesday, 12th December.

Contact the membership secretary for options on delivering entries to Carole

Returning to meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road – all commence at 7.30pm

Tuesday 26th September – Life drawing, male model Chris (members only)

Tuesday 10th October – Teresa Seals – Pastel demonstration – ‘Capturing the light on wildlife’   (Looking at her work on line this should be an interesting meeting, even if you do not work in pastels)

Tuesday 24th October – Stuart Dalton – work evening ‘Fresh approach to watercolour’ (Members only). Please bring your own materials.

Tuesday 14th November – Presentation ‘ Crafts/art of the Kinamba Community Project plus  an opportunity to purchase colourful gifts at very reasonable prices.

Tuesday 28th November – Life drawing, female model (members only)

Tuesday 12th December – Ian Last – demonstration ‘Hints and tips working in graphite pencil’ plus winner of President’s challenge announced and awarded their prize.

The topic on 12th December ties in very well with the Drawing challenge on 27th February 2024 at Broadway House, Orwell Road.  The three categories are – Decorated letter A / Pair of shoes / Set of keys

Just a reminder of the guidelines

  • members may enter one drawing per category
  • drawing to be in monochrome using a graphite 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

Even if you are not entering a drawing it is an opportunity to view other members work, maybe be inspired to have a go another time, vote for your favourite and see who, in each category, is awarded a trophy and prize with the runner up being awarded a prize.

Gallery changeover Wednesday 8th November 10.15-11.45am

Up to 2 works per member with a fee of £1 per work – max size 28″ x 28″

Due to space please consider entering only one max size and perhaps a smaller work

Details of work intend to submit to include your name, title of work, price, medium, size  and received no later than Thursday 2nd November. This enables labels to be prepared and estimate if enough space for all work members wish to submit. Details may be placed in box provided at the gallery, under bench which displays Membership forms etc. or hand in if coming along to either Saturday workshops or  hand in on Tuesday evening meetings prior to deadline.

Thursday painting, Conservative Club (upstairs 2.00-4.00pm)

Many of you are now aware, due to Conservative Club’s change of hours, we have had to adjust accordingly. Unfortunately the information did not filter through from Con Club until a few days before implemented. However, despite change of time, members continue to enjoy working on their various projects, help on hand if required, or some members just pop in for a chat!

So lots on offer to inspire and continue to –

Enjoy your journey in art

Yvonne

(Chairman)

Members Newsletter July/August 2023

Annual Exhibition at Trinity Methodist Church Hall, Orwell Road – 1st to 5th August

The words ‘Almost there’ come to mind (think there was a song with such a title) as that is exactly it with the Group’s Annual Exhibition.

Thank you to all who are helping in anyway. Liz and myself are certainly breathing a sigh of relief and look forward to having, as the expression goes, ‘less balls in the air’!! Let us hope we have plenty of visitors viewing work as well as a bounty of sales.

Although sales at the gallery installed at Suffolk Living have been on the slim side there has been enquiries about membership, outcome of which we have welcomed several new members.

As well as interest in membership, whilst at the gallery I had an interesting conversation about Christmas cards with one of the founders, Caroline Sturman, of Breast Friends, a not for profit peer support group for people in Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire that have been affected by breast cancer. Here is an extract of an email Caroline sent following our conversation …..

This year we would love to be able to offer Christmas cards for sale that not only help to raise funds for our organisation but also raise awareness of breast cancer. Lacking any artistic skills, we wondered if Felixstowe Art Group may be able to help us with the Christmas card designs?

Ideally we are looking for fairly modern designs that incorporate a playful, breast themed twist on some of the typical things associated with Christmas. I was thinking about white card with a pen drawing with a little colour added, but I am no expert!

We are thinking along the lines of putting together packs of 5 cards which could contain cards of either one single design or if we have enough, maybe a mixed pack.’

Now for the all important details ……….

  • Deadline for receipt of entries to be 30th September to enable Caroline to get cards printed and ready to go early November.
  • Designs, in portrait or landscape format rather than square can, going by examples Caroline sent, also be based on the breast cancer emblem.
  • Options to deliver your entries entries are: –Tuesday meetings at Broadway House in September / Thursday painting afternoons / placed in box under bench in Group’s gallery area / by mail – call one of the numbers on back of your programme card for address.

So how about it folks? A wonderful opportunity to not only get creative juices going but also help a charity.

Now back to Annual Exhibition and other matters that involve dates etc

Annual Exhibition – collection of unsold work

As requested, a reminder: collection of unsold paintings is – Saturday 5th August – 5.30 until 6.00pm

Dismantling of stands and tables will take place after 6.00pm. Any work remaining uncollected after 6.00pm will be placed in the unframed room but must be collected by 6.30pm

Please arrange for someone to collect your work if you are unable to do so as Felixstowe Art Group cannot be held responsible for any work not collected and not able to leave at current gallery space.

Now to news of meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road, IP11 7DD

Tania Harrington’s presentation ‘Art Attack’ certainly contained some surprising acts of attacks on art and the lengths people will go to to do so and of course brought much discussion at meeting!

In contrast, Jo Jacobs ‘Art of collage’ was very well received with many ideas to take away. A very relaxed welcome evening.

Following a short break in August, Tuesday evening meetings resume with:

  • Tuesday 12th September 7.30pm – demon. by Carole Massey ‘Acrylic Adventure’
  • Tuesday 26th September 7.30pm – life drawing (members only) with another new male model, Chris
  • Tuesday 10th October 7.30pm – demo. by Teresa Seals ‘Capturing the light on wildlife’ (pastels)
  • Tuesday 24th October 7.30pm – Work evening for members led by Stuart Dalton:  Fresh approach in watercolour’ (Bring own materials)

Also in October members can enjoy two Felixstowe Art Group Workshops …….

Following Anne Plummer’s evening back in June when she demonstrated How to paint images of the humble marble in acrylic (fascinating) several requests were made for a workshop. Originally this was to be, as reported in June supplement, on Saturday 16th September. Due to unforeseen circumstances, this has now been arranged for:

    • Saturday, 7th October 10.00-1.00pm.
    • Fee – £25 to include tea/coffee/biscuits. Payment details will be forthcoming later

Another acrylic workshop, which will be a follow up on Carole Massey’s ‘Acrylic Adventure’ demonstration has been arranged for:

    • Saturday, 28th October 10.30-3.00pm
    • Fee – £25 to include tea/coffee/biscuits. Again payment details will be forthcoming

Both the above workshops are to be held at –

Trimley St Martin Memorial Hall, 301 High Road, IP11 0RJ  (next to Sports and Social Club)

Free parking, easy access into a light airy building, bus stop nearby

Think that is it for now except to say that although there are no August meetings at Broadway House, painting sessions at Conservative Club (upstairs) 1.00-3.00pm will continue to be held throughout August

Look forward to seeing you at Exhibition and remember

Enjoy your journey in art, wherever it may take you

Yvonne

(Chairman)

Members News Letter: May/June 2023

Hello once again to all members.

What glorious weather we have had recently. Being able to feel the warmth of the sun on our faces, be it beside an open window, in the garden or out for a daily walk, such a joy. As is seeing plant life starting to awaken giving us an array of wonderful colour and the promise of more to come.

Looking back for a moment to the Group’s AGM, as reported in the recent supplement, Carole Massey is now the Group’s President and will be setting a President’s challenge later in the year!

The Group’s Committee now comprise of the following members –

  • Chairman – Yvonne Smart
  • Vice Chairman – Jim Lait
  • Hon. Treasurer – David Tennant
  • Group secretary – Chris Robinson
  • Membership secretary – Liz D’arville
  • Programme secretary – Yvonne Smart
  • Publicity secretary – vacancy
  • Gallery manager – Yvonne Smart
  • Exhibition manager – Jim Lait
  • Exhibition administrator – Liz D’arville
  • Tuesday evening technician – Chris Robinson
  • General assistance – Helen Daniel and Geoff Christian

Non committee: Thursday afternoon admin – Margery Shaw and Tessa Aston

Publicity

As you will see, the position of publicity secretary remains vacant. Although I have been sending articles to Flyer, Spotlight (monthly) and Felixstowe magazine (quarterly) with information about Bent Hill, Suffolk Living gallery opportunity etc, to continue with this extra role, especially with all the changes following vacating Bent Hill premises, is not a practical solution.

Publicity is an important part of any group/organisation, as with all events and meetings they will fall flat if public are not made aware of such things.

As said at AGM, this particular role I held for five years some time ago so well acquainted with what it entails, that is, short articles to the above mentioned publications, about Tuesday evening meetings, other up coming events, and to add interest and freshness I used to sometimes write a little about the presenter, gallery, history of group, hints and tips, endless possibilities.

Committee meetings are arranged face to face only when absolutely necessary but generally matters are dealt with by email.

Volunteer Required

Whilst on subject of volunteers, Chris Robinson would like someone to step up to assist with video camera and projector when such items are required for Tuesday evening meetings as the member who was assisting is no longer able to attend Tuesday evenings due to work commitments This would ensure that when/should Chris not be able to attend, there is always someone on hand to do the business. Chris will show you what it entails and it would make sense for anyone volunteering to periodically set up even if Chris is about to ensure information about what to do is not forgotten.

Now you have an idea of what is required please phone one of the numbers on the back of your programme to speak to Liz or myself to register your interest in filling one of these roles. Look forward to hearing from you.

Programme Matters

Now to programme at Broadway House, Orwell Road.

The Creative doodling evening with Claudia Myatt was absolutely fascinating and many members attending were enthused to give it a go at home as well as planning to come along to the workshop evening on 23rd May.

As well as demonstrating and giving lots of helpful ideas to get going, Claudia kindly let us take photos of her work to give inspiration and explained Creative Doodling is making marks without a fixed end is a form of play – and playfulness is an important element of the creative process. It takes away from pressure of having an end result which can be judged good or bad.

Playing with colour and lines help to focus on what it feels like to draw or paint rather than what it looks like – and the results can be surprising.  Set aside a sketch book just for doodling. Keep it open on a table and doodle whilst on the phone, waiting for the kettle to boil, simply sitting and having a quiet moment of me time etc. Range of marks could include a repeating theme, such as shells, geometric shapes, pebbles, birds, spoons, leaves, hands, knots. Look around the room and use some of the patterns you see in the carpet, curtains, fabrics etc as a starting point for doodling. Perhaps the pattern on some of your items around the home started out as a doodle?!

Doodle in colour, trying a different selection of colours each day. This is a good way to get to know your colours and mixes. Add patches of colour to your pen doodles without feeling you are colouring in. Ignore some lines, follow others.

Although results don’t matter, sometimes they happen by accident and you will create something to keep, progress with or discover new colour combinations.

Paper, pen, pencil or brush at the ready …… enjoy the freedom to create!

Tuesday 13th June 7.30pm at Broadway House sees, at popular request, Anne Plummer return to this time demonstrate Capturing images of the humble marble in acrylic.

Coach Trip

Don’t forget —–  Coach trip to Norwich Wednesday 14th June Cost £12

  • An opportunity to visit galleries, museums, check out art supplies, and more.
  • Depart Great Eastern Square 9.00am and arrive outside Norwich Castle 10.30am
  • Depart Norwich Castle 4.00pm and arrive Felixstowe Great Eastern Square 5.30pm

Members may bring guest(s) – Payment to be made when booking giving name of passengers and can be handed in on Tuesday 23rd May also during month of May Thursday afternoon meetings at Conservative Club to Margery or Tessa or phone membership secretary (number on back of programme card) for bank transfer details or address to deliver/send.

Important …..To avoid coach cancellation fee if not enough are seats booked deadline for booking seats, with payment, is Friday 2nd June.

Look forward to hearing from you about coach trip, volunteering roles and of course your entry for Annual Exhibition which preparation for is already well underway.

Yvonne

(Chairman)

The artist sees what others only catch a glimpse of – Leonardo da Vinci

Felixstowe Art Group Newsletter February/March 2023

Welcome once again to the latest edition of our Group Members newsletter.

Gallery update

Thank you to members who are able to do extra sittings during our run up to closure. This is most appreciated. There are just a few dates left which I am hoping will be filled by one or two members who have yet to book their second sitting due to exhibiting two framed paintings.

Enquiries are ongoing to find new premises. As well as attending meetings to spread the word various leads are being explored such as Business Improvement District Manager for Felixstowe (BID) and the Commercial Landlord in Felixstowe BID area. Both should be able to put me in touch with owners of the various empty shops. A busy time for sure.

Before moving on to other news, just a reminder about work currently at the Gallery –

Collection of all work must be completed between 9.30am until no later than 4.00pm on Thursday 30th March (collect key in usual way if Gallery locked). Collection on time is important as the boards will be dismantled ready for Clear View Removals to collect and transport to the Barn where we store Exhibition screens.

It us essential for someone to collect your work if you are unable to do so.

Key holders – keys to be returned to the Gallery by 30th March

Several notices are currently displayed at the Gallery advising visitors of the closure. Once closed, the landlord has permitted us to display information about the Group and its subsequent closure.

Meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road 7.30pm

The presentation by Chris Parfitt, Scilly art, whereby he took us on a tour of the main islands, gardens and various artists work was a pleasure to listen to and view. Sculptures, mosaics, inside of a small building decorated with hundreds of shells, were just a few of the many sites he visited.

Steve Brill, the new to the Group male model, was given the nod of approval from all members who attended, so yes, he will be back! He found it a very relaxed atmosphere and much warmer than some of the venues he attends, one being a very cold large church. Brave man indeed is all I can say!

Four life drawing sessions have been incorporated into the 2023/24 programme (previously three) as there was a call for more. The next one will be with a female model on 27th June.

Tuesday 14th March 7.30pm

Watercolour workshop with Jim Lait. Topic will be Boats and Sea. Jim describes the session as follows ‘Over the two hours we will draw the picture, lay down an overall wash then paint the picture itself. Envisage use of a limited palette but if you are not comfortable with that then of course use the colours you wish. Suggested colours to bring –

Ultramarine, Red Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Paynes Grey or Black, Prussian Blue, Red, Dark Green.

Palette if you are bringing tube paints/Water pot/ kitchen roll/table cover will be provided. Watercolour paper (your own choice of size) plus board and masking or brown tape to secure paper to board/ruler/pencil/eraser/brushes – at least 2, a wash brush and a smaller brush that holds a good point.

Tuesday 28th March 7.30pm

Drawing challenge evening, 3 categories being – Spring begins / 3 garden tools / an insect.

  • As noted in your January supplement, members may enter one drawing per category.
  • Drawing to be monochrome using pencil, ink or charcoal.
  • Each entry to be mounted but not framed, up to a maximum of 20″ x 16″ including mount.
  • Entries handed in by 7.40pm

The event is not just a challenge to draw a particular subject depicting light, dark and shades of grey but a pleasant evening to get together. Even if you are not entering a drawing do come along and vote for your favourite in each category.

Light refreshments will be provided. Look forward to seeing you.

Tuesday 11th April 7.30pm

Issy Coe will be demonstrating Pastels and continues to offer her workshops on a variety of subjects and mediums, including pastels, at her studio, Jessamine Studio in Weybridge, Diss. Further details can be obtained by emailing – issyart210@btinternet.com

Another artist who has also demonstrated on several occasions for the Group and will be again in September is Carole Massey.

As not everyone has transport to go further afield, Carole is now offering monthly Tuesday workshops at the Memorial Hall, Trimley St Martin (where we had New Year social) commencing with Drawing – pencil, pen, charcoal, on Tuesday 25th April, 10.00am-3.30pm. Further details on this workshop and others in the pipeline can be obtained by emailing – carolemasseyart@gmail.com

We are certainly fortunate to have links with a number of experienced tutors for as we may have found elsewhere with other workshops, not everyone who can paint can teach!

I now conclude this newsletter with news of Committee member Morag Skipper who sadly died recently after a long illness. Using her experience of graphic art the colours and layout for the Gallery flyer were spot on.

Along with her talent may Morag’s family take comfort in the joy her sense of humour brought to all who met her.

May we continue to find joy in our art

Yvonne

(Chairman)

Felixstowe Art Group Newsletter Supplement January 2023

Although it remains cold the winter sunshine is most welcome, bringing a few more people out enjoying walks along the promenade, some visiting the gallery, others simply looking in the window.

Gallery news

Despite the economic downturn we are all experiencing there continues to be a slow trickle of sales taking place, so good news indeed.

Now not so good news –

Regrettably our time occupying the gallery is now very limited due to the owner, our landlord, placing the property up for sale very soon. He has been asked if we might stay until completion of sale takes place and hopefully this will be permitted. Our thanks go to Group Treasurer David Tennant, for his time corresponding with the landlord over the years and more recently his great help on this latest matter.

We have been most fortunate to have had the use of the space for nigh on 43 years at a peppercorn rent, which we may not find elsewhere.

You will be kept posted. In the meantime changeover will still be 27th February 9.30-11.30am unless you hear otherwise.

Ideas to continue the opportunity to showcase and sell members work will be explored and we certainly welcome input from members.

Turning now to more welcome news –

New Year Social Afternoon

The feedback on the day and since has been most encouraging, so thank you for your thanks!

Liz and myself give our thanks to Helen Daniel for helping to set up on the day and all who pitched in at the end of the afternoon to clear tables, sweep floor etc. Will such an afternoon be repeated, most certainly, with different activities of course and variety of raffle prizes on offer.

Group workshops

Another activity offered to members is the occasional Saturday workshop. An acrylic session with experienced tutor Carole Massey has been booked for Saturday, 28th October. Further details will follow later in the year but thought you might like to note in your diaries.

Workshops offered by various artists

Another advantage of being a member is that from time to time we receive details of workshops offered by artists who have demonstrated to the Group.

Issy Coe, Group President, holds monthly workshops at her studio Jassamine Studio 10.00am – 4.00pm The mediums this year cover pastel, oils and watercolour. Fee per workshop £45. All workshops offered by Issy are suitable for beginners as well as the more experienced as plenty of one to one tuition.

For further details/book call Issy on 07990573818 or email – issyart210@btinternet.com

Carole Massey, also a Group member, has a number of painting holidays lined up, such as in Italy plus closure to home there are various sessions at Aldeburgh, Flatford Mill and Watershed Studios.

Last year the monthly workshops in Leiston proved very popular, covering a variety of subjects and medium aimed at all abilities. 10.00am-3.30pm Fee per workshop £45.

Further details can be found on Carole’s website: www.carolemassey.com or email – carolemasseyart@gmail.com

Leaping forward for a moment (or maybe a little shuffle) on –

Program updates

Tuesday 28th March

Broadway House, Orwell Road, 7.30pm is the Malcolm Laurie drawing challenge.

The three categories, as indicated on your programme card are –

    • Spring begins
    • 3 garden tools
    • an insect

and Just a reminder of the guidelines:

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

The event is not just a challenge to draw a particular subject depicting light, dark and shades of grey using the humble pencil, ink pen or stick of charcoal 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.

As well as light refreshments provided the evening will include gathering your ideas for further topics.

Returning to February meetings at Broadway House –

Tuesday 14th February 7.30pm – Chris Parfitt – illustrated presentation ‘Scilly art’ – Chris takes us on a tour of the main lslands, gardens and artists work.

Tuesday 28th February 7.30pm (members only) – Life drawing with a new to the Group experienced male model.

Tuesday 14th March 7.30pm Jim Lait has kindly stepped in as Stuart has been offered work to teach on board a cruise ship, something he does from time to time. Stuart’s evening has been rescheduled for Tuesday 24th October 7.30pm

* Please bring your watercolour materials as the session with Jim will be a work evening.

Concluding this newsletter – news of a recent charity fund raiser.

By request of her husband Martyn, a collection of art books that were in the estate of his late wife, Marguerite, known for her beautiful flower work, was brought in by member Colin Millar and placed on sale at the Thursday afternoon painting session on January with proceeds to be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society. The sale went well with a total sum of £44.15 raised by members. A cheque has been sent for this amount to the Society and the remaining books were taken to the Cancer Research shop in Felixstowe and handed in for sale with Colin’s gift aid contribution. Thank you from us all for organising this Colin.

That’s all for now folks before my feet turn to ice. Reynolds and cold weather do not go well together!

Yvonne

(Chairman)

Keep creating

MEMBERS NEWSLETTER December 2022/January2023

Hello and welcome to the last newsletter for 2022. 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, although we appreciate it can be hard to maintain ones mojo.

Starting with a few dates for you to note in your currant diaries.

Gallery changeover – Monday 19th December 9.30-11.30am

Just a reminder to not only write details of your work, ie your name, title of work, price, but also complete a form with the same details on (If no form to hand, just write said details on plain sheet of paper)

Thursday painting at Conservative Club 1.00 – 3.00pm

The last session took place on 15th December with sessions recommencing on 29th December.

During this particular afternoon Christmas cards were entered for the competition. Members favourite was by Chris Robinson and second choice by Sheila Wilson.

Thank you to all members who help with the smooth running of these afternoons.

Now with your 2023 diaries at the ready –

Saturday 14th January 2.00 – 4.00pm

New Year Social at the Memorial Hall, High Road, Trimley St Martin (next door to Sports and Social Club)

Free parking behind the Hall. Bus stop nearby which is served by 75 and 77 buses.

Although the change to an afternoon meeting for the social has met with positive feedback please call either of the telephone numbers on the back of your programme card so we have an idea of how many members (with a guest if wished) will be attending.

Tuesday evening meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road

Recommence on Tuesday 24th January with Jim Lait demonstrating ‘Street Scene with water/reflections’ using acrylic paints.

The last Tuesday session of the year, where the warm refreshments upon arrival were welcomed, saw Chris Cushing presenting an illustrated talk on ‘Understanding the art world’.

As Chris said at the time, it is not what he thinks, but how things have evolved over the years by experts in various fields. Certainly a thought provoking topic with an interesting to and fro during the evening.

This was the last presentation by Chris as he has decided, after many years giving talks, to hang up his clicker. Thank you Chris for your interesting talks over the years, all thoroughly enjoyed in your most relaxed way.

To round of this particular session the Christmas cards entered for the competition saw members present voting for their favourite. First choice was John Bowers with Gillian Lait second choice.

With regard to the Group’s Tuesday meetings many members will be familiar with the problems experienced regarding video camera. The problem has finally been solved (or are we tempting fate by saying that). A huge thank you to Chris Robinson and David Tennant for their diligence on getting to the bottom of solving the problem.

Looking back to another recent meeting Claudia Myatt’s presentation ‘My artist’s residence in Antarctica’. Well what an experience for Claudia. Some wonderful sights captured on film, photographs as well as in her sketchbooks. The chin strap penguins made many members smile! Whilst Claudia took the briefest supply of art materials on the trip she kindly sent a basic list of art materials that some members new to the subject might find useful –

Drawing –

  • Sketchbook. any kind for practising but the more you spend the nicer the paper will be to use
  • Pencils, sketching pencils which range from HB for hard clear lines through to 9B for smudgy blacks (if you only get one sort, go for 2B)
  • soft pencil eraser
  • sharpener – scalpel is better for long point but sharpener will suffice.

Watercolours

Small box of watercolours – Winsor and Newton Cotman sketching set is good value, or a few tubes. If buying individual colours, only need a few to start with. Ones used by Claudia –

  • raw siennna/cadium yellow/aureolin yellow
  • alizarin crimson/cadium red/burnt sienna
  • colbalt blue/utramarine/indigo/winsor blue green shade

Use lid of paintbox as a palette or a white plate

Brushes

  • Round watercolour brushes (Daler Rowney Aquafine are good value, blue coloured band)
  • Brushes should come to a fine point and be soft and not hard bristly ones which are for acrylics.
  • Bigger the number, bigger the brush. Numbers 10,6,3 (or similar) will do everything you need.

Paper

  • To start, a pad of watercolour paper will get you going. Avoid poor quality paper such as that from The Works. The more you pay the better the paint will flow.
  • Three types of surface of watercolour paper – Rough/NOT/Smooth
  • Smooth is known as HP or Hot Pressed
  • Most watercolour pads are NOT, a good all rounder and simple means Not hot pressed
  • If pad comes as a block, that is, gummed down on all four sides to keep it firm whilst painting, to remove a sheet of paper find the section that is un-gummed and slide the end of a paintbrush in to unstick it. If use finger it will tear.

Do hope you have found above basic list from Claudia useful.

During her talk Claudia encouraged members to try to draw/sketch everyday, even for ten minutes. With this in mind, perhaps as deciduous trees shed their leaves, there is a chance to artistically capture their rugged shapes and bare beauty. Create their twigs and textures using pens, pencils or charcoal. Just a thought from moi!

This just leaves me to say Seasonal Greetings to you all and may we go forward into 2023 with optimism of better times ahead.

Enjoy your journey in art, wherever it may take you

Yvonne (Chairman)

MEMBERS NEWSLETTER October/November 2022

Welcome to latest members newsletter.

During these turbulent times it is perhaps a relief that one has the opportunity to become absorbed in art or whatever hobby we might have. Admittedly for some it can be difficult to maintain motivation which is where coming along to the Tuesday evening meetings might help.

The most recent meeting was on Portraiture which Paul Bruce was not able to present as planned due to being unwell. A huge thank you to Carole Massey for coming along at such short notice. We certainly found your guidance on being able to achieve a true likeness of the human face and I hope many members, even if not primarily portrait artists, will consider having a go.

So let us now look at what is on offer for Tuesday evenings –

Meetings at Broadway House, Orwell Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7DD at 7.30pm

25th October – (members only evening) Life drawing with female model.

8th November – Christine Lester will be presenting a demonstration Hints and tips on drawing animals in pastel. It is a while since Christine has visited the Group so will be good to catch up with her again. Likewise the next presenter –

22nd NovemberClaudia Myatt presenting an illustrated talk ‘My artist’s residency in Antarctica’

Claudia will be bringing along a selection of photos, videos and sketchbooks which should prove of great interest. Claudia’s meeting will then be followed by the last one for 2022 by Chris Cushing

13th December In his usual relaxed way Christopher will be presenting an illustrated talk ‘Understanding the art world’. Will we ever understand some it I ask myself?! The evening will also include the Christmas card competition which leads quite nicely into the next topic.

Christmas card competition

This is a light hearted competition open to members. As long as your subject is original and not copied from a commercial card then that is great. Any medium can be used.

In previous years we have supplied cards but following requests to be able to use own card due to medium intending to use etc plus opening it up for members to use own choice of shape or size card, then this was the way forward. To avoid mega sized cards the only proviso is that your card will fit inside a C5 envelope (9″ x 6.5″).

Entering the competition: –

  • Bring your card along on Tuesday 13th December at Broadway House, 7.30pm. – Voting to take place after Chris Cushing’s talk.
  • Also during the afternoon on Thursday, 15th December at Conservative ClubVoting to take place at 2.00pm

You can enter either or both dates. All we ask is that if you win a prize on the 13th you refrain from entering again on the 15th. Reckon that’s fair enough!

Remember, it is all about choosing your favourite when it comes to voting.

Bent Hill Gallery

Next change over date is Monday 7th November 9.30 until 11.30pm.

Thank you to members who have given actual time of the their sittings. This has been most useful in letting the public know exactly when the gallery will be open by including this information on the Open notice displayed in the small window.

The final changeover for 2022 will be Monday 19th December

A reminder of the 2023 changeover dates up until May

  • Monday 27th February
  • Monday 10th April
  • Monday 22nd May

No doubt you have spotted that there is a longer period than usual between December changeover and February. As previous years, this gives gallery team a wee bit of a break as the six weeks seems to come along very quickly each time!

You might very well be interested to know, especially members who find great difficulty, if nigh on impossible, to retrieve paintings in the small window the currant arrangement will be tweaked to give a larger opening with adjustments to table to account for larger opening made plus a step installed.

This will not effect paintings in the main part of the gallery. Great care will be taken with the works in the small window. You can of course choose to remove your work when theses alterations are due to take place if you prefer to do so. Just let us know if this is what you wish to do.

Now for news of the New Year Social

New Year Social

Saturday, 14th January 2023 from 2.00 until 4.30pm at the Memorial Hall, High Road, Trimley St Martin

Yes, you read that right! It is a change of date and venue to one shown in your programme in that pre Covid days numbers attending were, for various reasons, reducing, so maybe try a change with outcome being suiting more members.

The hall, used on a number of occasions for Group workshops and certainly gets the seal of approval as a venue, is light, airy, warm and all on one level. It has free on site parking, plus is on the 75 and 77 bus route.

The intention is for the afternoon to consist of a raffle, plus variety of entertaining activities (well we hope they are) plus being an afternoon, Afternoon Tea!

Jim Lait, a chef by trade, has offered, with permission from his employer, to bake some cakes. A further newsletter toward the end of this year will go into more detail regarding catering matters. In the meantime, please put date, time and venue in your diary.

Although some activities are in the melting pot so to speak, if you would like to offer something towards entertainment – a budding Pam Ayres to amuse maybe – then do get in touch.

Best wishes to you all

Yvonne (Chairman)