Following our wonderful success last year, once again Fareham Art Group held their annual Art and Craft Exhibition at Titchfield Community Centre on the weekend of Saturday 28th and 29th October. Despite the awful weather we had over 600 visitors.
The art group committee worked tirelessly throughout the year planning and organising the event in readiness for the team of volunteers to descend on the hall on the Friday in order to set up all the stalls and screens in readiness for the paintings to be hung. Working like an army of ants, all the paintings were hung and the stalls, the cafe, the tombola and the art sales were set up and ready for the preview evening and the arrival of the Mayor of Fareham.
The Mayor opened the show and chose his favourite painting which was ‘Dusk at Port Solent’ by Abi Hudson. The Mayor awarded the prize to Abi, for the Mayors choice. Three further awards were made to the artists of the top three paintings chosen by the public, who voted whilst attending the Exhibition over the weekend. The top prize went to Joseph Coburn who painted ‘Bursledon Marina’ the second prize was awarded to Emma Trickle for ‘American in Fareham’ and third prize was awarded for ‘The Crown’ by Jenny Gladding.
This year’s Exhibition was even bigger and better than before. There were around three hundred original paintings and portfolios for sale, plus twelve craft stalls selling cards and a variety of amazing gifts and Christmas items. Many people bought their Christmas presents and stocked up with original cards for the festive season.
The tombola team and the art supplies team were kept very busy selling throughout the weekend providing customers with tempting prizes and selling items and books on art.
The cafe provided delicious cakes; all made by our members, so that guests could put their feet up between browsing and have a chat over a cup of tea.
This summer 40 of our members undertook a fun project to paint the Fareham West Street shop fronts, cafes and pubs. These were exhibited at the entrance to the show. It was interesting to see the varied styles of art and their interpretation especially of the Soothills Bakery which has been there since the 1950’s. The prize for the best shopfront entry was awarded to Emma Trickle for her painting of the Vito Lounge.
Fareham Art Group is a thriving group with over 100 members. We hold Tuesday afternoon painting sessions at St John’s Church Hall Redlands Lane Fareham and during the summer we organise outdoor painting days at various venues. People come along not only to learn to paint, but for the company in a friendly environment. We have people of all abilities from beginners to professionals who draw and paint in all types of medium. As well as offering some tutored teaching, we all learn by sharing our knowledge and experience with each other.
We also hold monthly evening demonstrations by professional artists and opportunities to win a prize or trophy in our variety of competitions. See our What’s on page for more information
Membership costs only £16.00 per year and if you want to know more click on the links below, or follow our Facebook page.