Otago Peninsula Artists
Open Arts December 2014 Newsletter
Issue No 53
It's the Christmas Newsletter!
Hello good fellow members! Well it's getting near the end of 2014 – Christmas just a few
weeks away – and as the Old Year closes – the New one will begin. So a brief Newsletter
– a small review of our last twelve months!
'Almost an Island' last April – an extremely good and well patronised exhibition and
whilst we were down on exhibits a little on the year before – the comments were great
and sales were up.
Mid winter dinner – again a most enjoyable gathering and camaraderie – though numbers
were also down on the year before.
We moved on to the Fair/Market – held the other weekend – the last weekend of
November. What a success – despite a few hiccups and late defections we managed to
have a full hall of stalls and ----- we exceeded the previous year of people through by 240
– last year 400 – the year before around 350! So the inclement weather did not deter the
wonderful people of Dunedin and they ventured out in some of the most appalling
weather November could have offered and enjoyed our Fair.
Yes there were some who did not do as well as others, but overall it
was a lovely convivial event! Some who did not sell as well last year
did well this year, and over all, most felt it was indeed extremely
worthwhile!
What we will do next year? – That will be discussed –
“postmortemised” and worked on, to arrive at the best possible
solution and conclusion to carry on with! It may be the same or a
similar format – it may be – different?
The photos attached will give those who could not
attend an idea of what “we” experienced!
There is a considerable amount of work and organising that goes into
“our” events, possibly far more than most realise. It is done for the
benefit of members, to allow them to exhibit - “show off their work” –
and yes – hopefully have the thrill of selling! Remember – without the
members – no Society – without their contribution to THEIR Societynothing – without the dedicated people on the
committee to organise – nothing! The support
and dedication of everyone, is how we do, and
will, survive!
We had tremendous support from local businesses. Through their
help we were able to advertise in a much wider field than we have
been able to before – this would also have contributed to the
increase in the number of people who came to view the fair! It's a
two way street – their support allows us to continue – our support
of them allows them the same advantage.
So we approach the New Year – 2015 – let's make this a “Stella
Year” for Open Arts – reach for the Stars – show our communities
on the Peninsula - and the wider great City of Dunedin what we
are, who we are – what we can do, and what we contribute to the Arts and Culture of our
City!
Get behind our events – you are all
amazing artists – talent abounds on our
wee strip of land – show it – be it – do it!
So! as I have already said -----------It's that time of the year again –
2014 is drawing to a close and Santa is on his way to visit us all
with his sack of goodies!
At least that is what we hope he's going to do!
Have you all been good Artists? Have you been beginning to
prepare your wonderful works ready for next year's 'Almost an
Island' exhibition?
It's a bit earlier in 2015 (end of March and
beginning of April) and we – (and Santa) are
hoping for an even better display of our fab works
than ever before!
Now seriously do you REALLY believe Santa is going to worry about
whether you've been good Elves and have begun your work?
Possibly not BUT I would like to think that you have at least been
thinking about what you are going to prepare for it!
You are all wonderfully talented Artists and CREATIVE people –
Potters; Painters; Writers; Poets; Sculptures; Printers; – Ceramic and
Woodworkers! And others who Create amazing creations – including
photography – and and and – good grief so so much more! My mind
dissolves with the immensity of what WE can produce!
So do it! Exhibit it – no – we may NOT sell every time – BUT we
are there and we are seen, and you will develop and grow with
each time you are a part of what we are here for – to BE Artists –
Creators of beautiful works!
One last thing – we are really hoping that we will get a good
response for the Beginners Print Workshop next year – it is more
than likely going to be held at the same time, and in the same
location, as Almost an Island – in the
“supper room”! This will make is a
really interesting and integral part of the exhibition, and also
create an interest for visitors to it.The cost will be in the
vicinity of $95-00 each course – we are hoping for a grant to
reduce this, but a lot of work is required to obtain this. There
will be two separate courses, one on the Saturday, the other
of course on the Sunday.The Cost includes all materials and
the fee for the Tutor. This will be a well worthwhile
workshop, and an incredible introduction to printing!
There are six to eight “student” positions available on each day. If we do not get at least
six for each day, the course unfortunately will have to be either postponed, until we have
the numbers – or cancelled.
We have been asked numerous times for workshops to be organised – this is a great
opportunity. There will be a deposit required to secure your space! Please register your
interest with myself – Roger – [email protected] – or with Jane –
[email protected]
NOW ----- after all the above ------WE WISH THAT YOU HAVE A VERY
HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A GREAT
CREATIVE NEW YEAR! ENJOY THE
BEAUTY THAT SURROUNDS YOU –
YOUR FRIENDS, YOUR FAMILY, AND
OUR
WONDERFUL
ARTISTIC
COMMUNITY!
BEST WISHES FROM
ROGER, CHAIRMAN
AND THE COMMITTEE OF OPEN ARTS.