The Bulletin - November 2017
Dear MSWPS,
We have had such a busy time and now Christmas is almost upon us. Last week, eight of us made the most of a delightful spring day to work in Kate Herd’s fabulous garden. We thank Kate for giving us this wonderful opportunity each Oaks Day. We also congratulate Kate on the recent launch of her second book, Native Art and Design with Australian Plants published by Thames and Hudson at $49.99. Kate too was featured in The Age Gardening on last Saturday, 4 November, in an article – An adventurous attitude by Megan Backhouse.
Last month saw the two major events for the society; MSWPS Changing Perspectives 2017, MSWPS 108th Annual Exhibition and the Elegant Afternoon Tea and Talk, with Helen Brack as this year’s thought provoking guest speaker. We also presented a tribute to Connie Walker who died this year by exhibiting several of her beautiful oil and watercolour paintings in the annex of Cato Gallery with an array of different approaches to Life Drawing by members who attend MSWPS Thursdays Life Drawing Sessions.
It was exciting to see our work beautifully presented in the restored Galleries of the Victorian Artists Society. It is always difficult to hang a group show but Louise, Marion and I worked hard to make the show look as good as was possible. There was a large crowd on Opening Night with a buzz of excitement in the room. The piano playing of Paul Spurling created the ambience for the night. The waiters and waitresses, employed by Marion, ensured that food and drink flowed. Thank you all for binging a plate to create a feast for the occasion. Sales were up from previous year but were still not overwhelming.
Awards 2017
Our President, Joan Richard, welcomed Clive Sinclair, the respected artist who judged this show. He commended MSWPS on the high quality of our work and encouraged us to be proud of our achievements. He then announced the names of those receiving Highly Commended certificates. Congratulations to Liz Moore Golding, Jan Martin, Gwen Krumins, Roz McQuillan, Jane Walker and Vivi Palegeorge.
Clive then announced the recipients of the two major awards of Changing Perspectives 2017.
The Danks Trust Award $1000 was awarded to Jo Reitze for Autumn Garden oil on canvas (This was such a surprise and thrill because of the very high quality work in the exhibition and I had no prior warning.)
The Annie Davison Oliver Award $1000 was awarded to Beatrice Magalotti for Waiting bronze sculpture (This was just the start of Beatrice’s success this month as she also received the prestigious Yering Station Sculpture prize.)
The Constance Wu Award $500. This is awarded to the member receiving the most votes counted from both their works voted by their peers. Since the close of the exhibition the votes have been counted. This year we have joint winners of this award.
(Both artists will share the prize money.) Elizabeth Moore Golding and Sue Jarvis will be presented with this award donated by Carolyn Yong in memory of her mother at the Christmas Lunch.
Congratulations to these members and thanks to the donors.
MSWPS Christmas Party & Christmas Market 2017
Glam up to celebrate in the Style of Dior To be held at the Ola Cohn Centre on Thursday 7 December at 12 noon. NB Could all attending please bring a plate of food to share and a Kris Kringle gift. If you are bringing guests please bring a Kris Kringle gift for them to give too. (This gift should be valued at approximately $10 and be one that you would like to receive)
Drinks are provided. There is no entrance charge
Dress in the Style of Dior. The NGV Exh. should inspire you to find or create an outfit.
A Christmas hamper will be raffled on the day.
Bring a chair in case we require more than we have.
Christmas Market Stall: You are encouraged to bring small items to sell such as cards, small sculptures, paintings, pots or prints, jewellery, plants and/or jams etc. (10% commission). NB Linda McEwan is wishing to purchase cards from members to have on hand for presentations etc so if you do cards show them to Linda
This is also an opportunity to renew your membership for 2018