Update
following the
I thought it was about time that I brought everyone up to date with what has been happening since the exhibition in April. Once again the people from Marple and places wide and far supported us by coming in their droves to see the paintings and sculpture that, we as a group had prepared for the exhibition. We had terrific sales once again, despite the recession. Donkey paintings were the absolute favourites at the exhibition. I’m sure those who voted would love to see what the public voted for:
Joint fourth place – Morning haze by Dot Goodwin & Honfleur harbour by Anne Woodward I hope your favourite was one of these! Pro Loco Events I know I keep going on about the Pro Loco events, the main reason being is that they are disappearing. Matlock and Hayfield were well supported but only two artists turned up for Tideswell so unfortunately they are not going to run the event again. Two of the Society of Marple Artists attended, Carole Brown and David Steeden. Carole came first and David second so well done to you both. I was away for all events this year so couldn’t go along but I urge people to go when they can, because it is really a fun day and of course if you win there is prize money given. Quite a number of the society went to the other events and David Steeden came first and Kath Siddall was second at Matlock Pro Loco. Joy Wheatley from Glossop art society came second at Hayfield Pro Loco and I believe a local councillor came first but as I wasn’t there I can’t vouch for this. Marple Festival is going to be holding a Pro Loco on Sunday 19th September 2010 in the Memorial Park, sponsored by Derwent Pencils. Sign in between 9am and 10am and return artwork by 4pm. Entry £1 for adults and 50p for children. This is a chance for those who haven’t had a try at painting out of doors to have a go – fun for all the family!
Kath Siddall won a commendation medal at the 2010 Derbyshire Open Expo. with her painting entitled 'Weathered - but not beaten'. The Expo is on until 3rd September and Renata Davis had two paintings selected - 'Old Croft Farm' and 'Winter' and Irene White's 'Over the Fields' was selected too. The paintings can be seen on the DCC web site. Eileen Bell helped organise two painting days in the gardens of Lyme Hall, this summer. Around twenty artists went along and Eileen looked after everyone very well making sure they had a nice cup of tea and were happy with arrangements made for the day. At the end of the year there is to be an exhibition of work which has been done by several art groups over the summer. This will be shown in the Orangery at Lyme Park so watch out for local news to catch this exhibition. Quite a number of the society along with friends will be travelling up to see the Lake Artists Exhibition in Grasmere. We went last year and had a great time. The quality of work is fabulous and well worth the journey. The exhibition is on until the 8th September 2010. This year a number of society members have been accepted to exhibit at the Macclesfield Art Fair which is in support of the East Cheshire Hospice www.theartofcaring.org.uk Macclesfield Town Hall is the venue on the 8th to the 16th October 2010 and I hope many of you who attend our exhibition will come and support us at this one as it is for such a good cause. This is my last year as Chairman for the society and I must say that I have really enjoyed the experience. The next update will be done by my successor who is still to be voted in along with others who will replace Florence Coates, Secretary, Ken Anderson, Treasurer and Sandra Whittaker, Programme Secretary. Everyone has worked together as a great team to make being a member a happy experience. I would like to thank all the committee and many other members of the society who help behind the scenes. There are too many to mention by name but I’m sure they will know who I mean and I would like to say thank you to them all. Lynn Daley (Chairman) Phone: 01625 578051 A Tribute to Artist Robert Salmon 1939 - 2009
Robert Salmon sadly died on December 14th 2009. He had been a member of the society for over 30 years. During this time he inspired many people to progress with their art. Mervyn Buckley, ex Treasurer and now Country Member, remembers having tuition from Bob and said that "if his second tutor had been his first he would never have painted again, whereas Bob encouraged and nurtured what was within you". Mervyn is still painting and exhibiting. Bob was a commercial artist at the Co-op for many years. He designed jigsaws for JR Jigsaws in Bredbury and Chad Valley. Bob decided to go professional around 1985 and never looked back. I was speaking to his widow June recently and she was reminiscing of the days when he would hold workshops in his studio at home, sometimes spilling out into the garden. June would serve lunches with tea and coffee for everyone, it sounded like an idyllic time. June will be arranging an exhibition of Bob’s paintings later this year and many of them will be for sale. It will be held at Marple Library between 2nd and 16th October 2010.
I have spoken before of Pro Locos where artists arrive early in the morning with canvas or paper which is stamped by the organisers and then the artist goes away and paints in that area for the day. At an allotted time the artists then have to mount and frame their works of art ready to be displayed for the public to take a vote on whose painting was the best. Bob won so many times that he was crowned "Pro Loco Supremo!". Tracey, Bob’s youngest daughter followed in his footsteps as she was the youngest winner of the “Stockport Open” with two paintings. One of the judges was Elizabeth Finn who was also a founder member of the Society of Marple Artists. Greenall Whitley ran a competition for new pub signs and Bob won two prizes winning prize money of 4 guineas.
Bob was cared for in his last days at home, which is the place he most wanted to be, with his family. They were helped by the District nurses, Macmillan nurses and respite care. Donations of £97 were collected at the Chapel at Stockport Crematorium and this was shared out between these organisations who helped Bob and his family. Bob will be missed very much but the society will always remember him each time they look at the SMA logo which he designed especially for them. At this years exhibition we will have a board showing some of Bob’s paintings as a tribute to his memory. See more pictures of Bob and his work in the "Virtual Tour"
The Society has a busy programme all year round, as highlighted by the following pictures: Marple Locks Festival ‘A Great Day Out For All’
The Civic Society and the Society of Marple Artists supported Marple Locks Festival in July 2009. It was hoped that we could encourage the youngsters of Marple to get involved with painting alongside some of our own artists and as seen by these pictures a good time was had by all. The sun shone for everyone as well which made a very special day for all involved.
Derbyshire County Council Watercolour Prize Quite a few of our members were excepted for the Derbyshire open and Kath Siddall received the Derbyshire County Council Watercolour Prize at 27th Derbyshire Open Exhibition at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery. This was quite an achievement as the competition is very tough, there are some superb artists exhibiting at this annual event, so well done Kath.
Lakeland Artists Exhibition I arranged a day out for the art group to visit the Lakeland Artists Annual Exhibition in Grasmere. We travelled by coach through the rain and mist to arrive to a glorious sunny day in Grasmere where we looked at some wonderful works of art and I don't know whether we felt inspired or more like throwing our paint brushes away as the standard was very high. All came away feeling that they had experienced a very rewarding day. We shall certainly be going next year and for anyone who loves to look at inspiring artwork the exhibition runs through from 31st July to the 8th September in 2010 a definite date for your diary. Wordsworth's cottage is also worth a visit.
Masson Mill Pro Loco These photos were taken at Matlock's Masson Mill Pro Loco. The winners paintings are now displayed in the board room.
Ring o' Bells Pub Sign Challenge Peter and Sue from the Ring o’ Bells pub, Church Lane, Marple gave the Society a challenge just before Christmas to design and paint a new pub sign. The prize was £100. The challenge was taken up and 4 artists submitted their works in February for Peter and Sue to make their choice. As you can see it was a tough decision as the entries were of a high standard but eventually they chose David Steeden’s design which I’m sure you will agree made a splendid new pub sign. As an art group we do use the Ring o’ Bells regularly after evening meetings and in return Peter and Sue have always supported the group by coming to our annual exhibition. If you go to the pub you will see many works of art that grace the pub walls that have been purchased over the years so I’d say we have a very happy partnership.
Bockingford Postcard Competition In November 2008 many of the group took part in a postcard competition run by Bockingford who make fine watercolour paper. There were 1,000 entries and although we didn’t get anyone in the top three prize group, three of our members were runners up of which there were 100. We were as delighted as they were and their postcards were exhibited in London at the RKB Gallery on the 19th February 2009. The three postcards are shown below and I think you will agree the standard was very high and to paint something on a 4” x 6”postcard is quite a challenge.
Bruce Mulcahy Workshop In February 2008 a workshop was held at the main church hall where 18 artists gathered with their acrylic, oils or gouache for a days painting with renowned landscape artist Bruce Mulcahy. Bruce comes from Dewsbury in Yorkshire and back packs all over the countryside in all kinds of weather to find the perfect place to paint what is around him. At the end of the day we all went home with a painting that we were pleased with and I must say there were a few that were superb. Bruce takes parties for painting holidays, (long weekends and full weeks) in some of the best beauty spots in Yorkshire. He can be contacted for information on tel. no. 01924 459 710.
Fundraising by Lindsay Murray Lindsay Murray has sent me a photo of her presenting her cheque for over £4,300 to the New Manchester Children’s hospital. We have followed her through her journey to this point and what an amazing girl to achieve so much. Lindsay raised the money by organising a variety of events, from live music nights to boot sales selling donated items, and even organised a children's' treasure hunt on High Lane park. However, perhaps her bravest effort of all was to jump from an airplane from 14,000 feet in a sponsored Sky Dive! Well done Lindsay you are a very plucky girl and we are all proud of you!
Lindsay (right) is the daughter of Peter Murray who was the art group’s Secretary and still a very active member. Many local people know Lindsay as a sales advisor at High Lane Garage, where she has, to paraphrase the company’s motto “matched people and vehicles” for the past eight years. The Society of Marple Artists have been pleased to support Lindsay in her endeavour to raise money for this very worthy cause. |
