Open House in Aid of Charity

One of our members is holding an Open House today in aid of Addenbrookes Oncology, where some of her art will be on sale

2021 Outdoor Painting Session 1

 A sample of artwork by Sydney Smith from last week's outdoor painting session at Brockholds Farm.  With thanks to Simon Whitehead for allowing this and Jeanie Wiseman for organising. May the weather be kind and allow more of these sessions.

 Another session of sketching/painting before the watercolour classes with Louise Man start next Monday.  Here are the works in progress

 A second week of drawing/painting.  Here are some works in progress from this week's session.

Good to get back to meeting other arty folk.  Here's a sample of some of the work produced today.

Classes Return

We're very excited to let you know that we are able to come together again as Dunmow Art Group from Monday 24th May at the Talberd Room in the Foakes Hall.

For the first few weeks the session on Mondays, from 1pm-3pm, will be on a 'let's paint together' basis. There won't be a teacher, but it will be a chance for people to come together and paint after such a long absence.

These painting sessions will be free for members of the Dunmow Art Group and £5 for non-members. We can only have a maximum of 20 people in the Talberd Room, so it will be on a first come first serve basis.

We will also have plenty of ventilation, with windows and doors open, so please be mindful that it might be a bit chilly. You will also need to bring your own refreshments as we won't be able to use the kitchen, and you'll need to bring your own water for painting, if you need it.

Hope to see you on Monday!

PS: an email and a letter have been sent to members with a questionnaire for you to return.  If you have moved since 2019 and not received the email, but still want to keep in touch with DAG, please check your spam folder or contact dunmowartgroup@gmail.com 

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

 A few of us managed to meet for a lesson this week. Properly distanced at Saling Village Hall with the doors opened. The theme was, appropriately enough, apples and leaves as plenty of leaves blew in the open doors.  If we do manage to meet here again before spring, warm clothing is advised.

 We met again yesterday near The Dourdan Pavillion in the sunshine and properly distanced.

A variety of artwork from watercolour through pencil and oil. Using a still life of found items, photographs and the lovely scenery.

We are continuing with our outside drawing and painting on Monday afternoons 1-3pm by the Dourdan Pavillion.  Should more than 6 arrive we will split into smaller groups.  Here are some pictures from this Monday's session.  

Firstly we hope that everyone has been keeping well and staying healthy during these very strange past few months.

There has, as yet, been no decision from Great Dunmow Town Council on when  Foakes Hall will re-open. We are making enquiries about different venues in and around the Great Dunmow area, so please do let us know if you have any suggestions.

In the meantime, throughout September we thought we'd hold weekly Dunmow Art Group meetings outdoors at the Recreation Ground, near the Dourdan Pavillion. Obviously these sessions will be weather dependant, but as long as it's not raining or blowing a gale, we'll be there on Mondays from 1pm-3pm for some fun 'plein air' sessions. You will have to bring your own painting materials, including something to sit on, plus any refreshments, and there won't be any teaching as such, but I'm sure we can all give each other some encouraging advice if needed. It's completely up to you what you paint - whether you choose to paint what's there or bring your own subject - the idea is to come together regularly and carry on the spirit of the Dunmow Art Group community. These September outdoor sessions will start on Monday 7th September and will be completely free of charge.

On the subject of fees, for those of you who have already paid for your membership this year (2020, there won't be any fees due in December 2020 for the following year (2021). However for new members wishing to join for 2021, membership fees of £30 will be due in December 2020. By then we hope to have a bit more information to share with you regarding the Foakes Hall and next year's exhibition.

Meetings Cancelled

In light of the current uncertainty around coronavirus, the Dunmow Art Group committee has made the decision to postpone all classes until further notice. This includes the Monday afternoon classes and the still life classes on Wednesday evenings.

This might sound a bit dramatic, but given the age of some of our members and the risk of spreading the virus, postponing classes for a few weeks seems like the most sensible option at the moment.

We are currently looking into whether we continue to hold the annual DAG art exhibition at the end of April, so will keep you updated.

Please check the Dunmow Art Group Facebook page for updates and feel free to share any artwork on there. It will help everyone feel connected in spirit, if not in body!

In the meantime, stay safe, wash your hands and keep painting/drawing/sketching!

Next Evening Session

The next session of evening still-life drawing will be on Wednesday 18 March from 7.30pm to 9.30pm (Please note time change). This will take place in the Talberd Room of Foakes Hall.

Free to members, non-members £5

No need to book just turn up with your materials.

Still life subject is still to be decided (apparently I have thrown out my hats, so it won't be that!)