Susan Hartry, of the Stokes Art Group (SAG), is really pleased that a feature in a recent edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine, offering free taster sessions during November, directly lead to several local artists wanting to join the group ready for the start of their 2014 season. Susan said:
“I am always keen to seek out potential members for the SAG. New talent injects new interest which keeps the impetus and enthusiasm at a high – and, not least, it is essential to keep membership numbers ticking over in order to move the group forward. So it was great to meet new artists and see them settle in quickly and comfortably at the Taster Sessions, working away at their own art projects and chatting with regular SAG Members about their art.”
“We are now looking forward to painting with them and adding their masterpieces to our growing collection of fantastic artworks. It’s amazing just how much artistic talent we have on our own patch.”
What we do in our leisure time is always decided by our circumstances at that time, so a group or club’s membership is naturally quite fluid, and as Susan explains:
“Although the SAG is very lucky to have a core of loyal members, it is important to be forward thinking in order to maintain a workable number of members. So if there are any more artists in the Stokes or surrounding areas who might like to try out the Stokes Art Group, please send me an email.”
“SAG hold four seasonal series of workshop sessions each year, so I can advise the best time to join in order to maximise the cost. Our next series consists of seven sessions and starts on Tuesday evening 7th January, or Thursday morning 9th January 2014. We meet at Christ The King Church in Bradley Stoke.”
The Stokes Art Group ended their second year with an Evening Event held on Tuesday 19th November, which focussed on sketching and was attended by local celebrity graphite artist David Mealing as guest judge for their latest project competition. Susan said:
“Not only did David bring along fine some examples of his work for us to admire – WOW – he also talked about his art, which combined with his passion for Eurovision Song Contest Winners Bucks Fizz, lead to him designing their 30th Anniversary CD cover and featured his work. Later in the evening David did his duty and selected his top three favorite entries from around 20 displayed themed artworks based on Autumn colour.”
“Jamie Lockett was well chuffed when he was presented with the winning certificate and a £5 Hobbycraft voucher for his watercolour ‘Morning Glory’; Sue Kelly received a second place certificate for her watercolour ‘Autumn Gold’; and Pam Flintoff a certificate for her third-placed entry ‘Autumn Carpet’ using coloured Pencils. David added that it was a hard ask to select favourites as he thought they were all very good!”
Open to local artists of all ability levels, you can read more about the Stokes Art Group on their website at www.stokesartists.co.uk – and for more information please email Susan Hartry at stokesart@fsmail.net who will be happy to arrange for you to attend a taster session at the next available opportunity.
Photo: Jamie Lockett receives his certificate from David Mealing.
Image: Morning Glory – watercolour by Jamie Lockett.
