NEWSLETTER
Dear members
This year has created many challenges but also created opportunities for us all, not least Clifton Arts. Since the lockdown in Spring, CA has endeavoured to provide an activity programme that has been consistent with Government guidelines and also exploring new ways of working.
We had a socially distanced summer outdoor programme organised by Steve Crossley, which has continued into the Autumn, and will continue through the first part of next year where weather permits.
The government restrictions have forced us to increase our use of internet facilities, which has enabled new and exciting activity developments. Mailchimp has been the main means of communicating activities and news, although we recognise a small number of members without internet have missed this.
The weekly challenge has been very successful thanks to Zoe Perry, with over 900 excellent artworks produced. Zoom has opened up new avenues in demonstrating and workshops, where some people have chosen to work along with the demonstrator, in their own homes. In some cases the weekly challenge has followed on from a demonstration to enable members to develop the skills and techniques seen. The possibilities for this are very exciting. The Autumn programme also included Zoom based life drawing, which has enabled us to continue to provide figure sessions. The greeting card competition organised by Lea Aldridge, had over 90 entries and from those, 6 wonderful winning entries were selected. Each winner received a £50 prize. Packs of the 6 are now available to member, so please look at the website to see these.
All of these activities have focused us on the need to use and expand the capability of the Clifton Arts website. Ian Staniland has created a members only area which will form the hub repository of everything related to club activities. It is early days but already the weekly challenge pictures are there, and some club information but in due course this is where the programme details will be held, videos from demonstrations, and workshops, etc, so it will be essential to visit frequently as much less will be available in paper form.
For the early part of next year it seems unlikely that the government restrictions will be removed and so CA will provide a programme, varied and creative, developing the themes from this year and similar to the Autumn format. Your suggestions to enhance that are very welcome.
Anne Elliott is planning a member’s exhibition for the springtime (April 10th to 18th) to show some of the work done for the weekly challenges, and looking to hold a summer exhibition around August. Discussions with Victoria Methodist Church for both of these look promising. We have created some magnificent pictures this year so let’s show them off!
The committee proposes to move the AGM to the end of April, when hopefully we will be able to have our usual face to face meeting.
It is with sadness that I notify you of the passing of Di Western. She has been a staunch member for many years and Chairman 2010 to 2013
As we move towards the year end, we can be proud of what has been done this year and we look forward to exciting Clifton Arts times ahead. Have a Merry Xmas and hopefully a much happier New Year than this.
Best Wishes
Ian Barnes (Chairman)
