Congratulations to group member, Barbara Cork who won a special voucher award sponsored by the Wallace Smith Gallery at this years New Pitsligo Visual Arts Exhibition for her painting ”Near Elgin”. She joins growing number of our members who have had success in this and other exhibitions.
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Out and about at exhibitions and galleries.
We are blessed with an interesting variety of galleries in our area, and there is always somewhere to go for new ideas. Aberdeen Art Gallery is well worth a visit; both permanent and temporary exhibitions are always excellent, and there are also some interesting workshops to inspire.
Another art treat in store is the Gray’s School of Art Degree Show, which runs from June 10th – 17th. Go along to RGU and have a look at what young artists are doing: there is so much variety out there.
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Summer Time
We have been back after the Easter break for two weeks now and are planning some summer activities. Several members are keen to get outside with sketch pads; down by the river, in the Castle Gardens, documenting social events like the annual Pedal Car Race – all are possibilities, and, with a bit of summer sunshine to encourage us, we plan to be out there getting inspiration.
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Something different
Within the group there is a whole spectrum of artistic style and technique, and we all have our own project, which is how we have worked since the group was set up over thirty years ago. With the success of our Van Gogh project during Lockdown, we decided to try another group activity. On two occasions this term we attempted some life drawing, using members of the group as models. We discovered how difficult this is, but also how very absorbing. Whilst this isn’t everyones idea of fun, some maybe discovered a hidden talent and will take it further.
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New Year, New Projects
The new term begins on Thursday January 12th. Everyone is looking forward to meeting up again and starting new projects. The blank canvas is often a difficult stage: is this a good idea, where do I begin, am I going to make a mess of it – we have all been there! It’s good to meet up, be inspired by one another, and get going. There are already ideas for some group projects and visits, and with the expectation of an uninterrupted term at long last, we are hoping for some good results.
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Farewells
Over the past few months we have been saddened by the deaths of long serving members of our group; John Gordon in July and Dorothy Reid in October, both former members, Maureen Singer, in August, an honorary member and Carol Sangster in September, an active member until shortly before her passing. Each of them contributed to the life of the art group over many years in their own unique way, sharing their gifts and talents and giving of themselves to serve on committee, support members and encourage activities of the group.
We remember each of them with thanks as we continue to enjoy an art group built on their legacy of friendliness, commitment and fun.
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Haddo Exhibition
Our exhibition at the Pheasantry in Haddo Park was a great success, with well over 200 visitors over the course of the week. There were lots of positive comments, and several enquiries about joining the group; we look forward to welcoming new members as a result. Sharing the space with Ellon Photography Group was also a success, and we hope to repeat it in future.
The location, in the Pheasantry, comes with some disadvantages; it is quite a long walk from the car park, and can be chilly in cold weather. However, we were blessed with mostly mild conditions, and even some glorious sunshine, which enabled helpers to take an occasional break and enjoy some alternative activities:
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ART EXHIBITION
We are delighted to be taking part this year in the Haddo Arts Festival. After the disappointment of the cancellation of our exhibition in the aftermath of storm Arwen, last November, we are now gearing up for a display in the Pheasantry which we will be sharing with Ellon Photographic Group. The exhibition will be open between 11.00 and 3.00 daily, starting on Saturday October 8th and running until Sunday October 16th. A stroll through the park amongst the majestic Haddo trees in their stunning autumn colours, following the Visual Arts Trail including a visit to the Pheasantry will make a lovely excursion. If you are in any way interested in painting or drawing, please pick up a leaflet about our group and come along to a session; we are always looking for new members