Volunteers Needed

The last 18 months have been a little unusual to say the least. It was great to meet up outside last September and should weather permit, we can do the same again soon. Saling Village Hall was a great space for the few weeks we could meet indoors when Foakes Hall was not open.

As you may be aware, Foakes Hall is undergoing building works later this year, so we will not be able to meet there whilst those works are happening. They have no exact dates as yet.

The Dunmow Art Group started many years ago when a group of like-minded people with an interest in art decided to get together to draw and paint, to invite speakers to give talks and demonstrations, and to put on an annual exhibition.

Until 2018, the group held monthly Wednesday evening meetings from September to March with talks, demos and occasional workshops during an afternoon. There were occasional meet and draw/paint sessions outside in the summer and the Annual Exhibition in the spring, with occasional extra shows in the autumn.

A few years ago the committee, as it was, underwent a big change due to a combination of family and health issues. As there was nobody willing to undertake key roles, the club was in danger of folding. Whilst we had a healthy bank balance, Chris Runacres volunteered to arrange classes to use up the money. This had the bonus of attracting new members and Chris managed to co-opt some of the new members to help with communication and finance (Louise and Helen respectively). Audrey continued to take the lead on the exhibition and took on the website. Chris now needs to step back and whilst the rest of those involved in running of the group are willing to continue as they have, this means that more help is needed.

Whilst the constitution has been updated to allow for a minimal committee of an organiser and a treasurer,  if people still want speakers/demos/classes, then we need volunteers to arrange these. This will involve booking the venue,  sourcing and booking speakers/tutors and marketing these to members and non-members.

Whilst a number of options to show work have been put forward, interest has not been high. Therefore, the next exhibition will not take place until next spring.

In normal circumstances, there would be an AGM held annually at which the organiser and treasurer would be elected. However, circumstances have not been normal and an AGM will not happen until we can safely book a venue. In the meantime, please could anyone willing to take on organising meetings, classes,  speakers, etc please