AGM Report.
At this time as we review the past year.
I want you to take a few moments to reflect on why you joined the Adelaide Art Society. What motivated you? I joined I suppose because I was flattered that I could. I felt I was putting myself up in some pretty high company in the art world. I was overawed by the art of the likes of Sue Georgiou, Mary Wagstaff, and Glenda Parker, the movers and shakers of the Society at the time. It helped that I had a friend who had done the groundwork before me thanks Barb! I don’t remember having a clear purpose for joining apart from being able to learn from these wonderful people. I really dont think I understood just what could be gained by participating in all the facets of the Society.
If your motivation was to come to the weekly sketch groups you may find yourself having to get here early to get your favourite seat. Word of mouth has done a great job in increasing our numbers in this area. Our excellent organisers keep the groups running, often sharing the job where needed. I hope we have solved the morning tea issues by providing the basics for all to share. We have also now a Friday group who come here just to work on their art together for companionship. Thank you leaders. If you came to be able to exhibit your work you will have noticed how the standard of work continues to grow. Our exhibitions are well supported, well run and I must once again sing the praises of our head hanger, Anne Newland- Tugwell, who has just the best eye for this job. Winston Head, our exhibition organiser keeps things in order with his rosters of helpers and sitters, and is going to do it all again for another year, thank goodness. And the selection committee take their turn twice a year to keep the standard high. Thank you to all involved.
Perhaps you, like me, can only come to workshops held on weekends. We have certainly not been disappointed by them this last year. Colley Whisson was a joy and, as with all of our presenters, such a fount of information. Catherine Hamilton also shared much knowledge by taking us back to basics, but letting us experiment and try for ourselves. Later this year we look forward to catching up with Ross Paterson again for a weekend workshop. We have enjoyed Gerhard Ritters portraits, Alan Ramachandrans excellent watercolours, and still have abstracts with the iconic Arthur Philips, and experiments with our own Uta Mooney to come. What more could anybody ask for?
Social nights were my first introduction to the Society. They are an important way of introducing new members and making them feel welcome. We also have the chance to meet and learn from a variety of presenters. Social nights are usually quite well supported. It also gives non sketch group members a chance to get together, and return and borrow from our excellent library.
I doubt many of you were motivated to join the Society by the kitchen facilities. Whilst acknowledging this is a working studio, it does not mean we have to put up with 1950s conditions! The committee members are at the moment investigating spending your fees on upgrading the kitchen. Indeed we are always trying to keep things in good order by fixing or replacing them. The lighting system for exhibitions is also being quoted on. We have spent the 2009 federal grant money on the chairs you are sitting on, and the new computer and printer. I have applied for yet another grant to upgrade storage in the back room among other things, and although I have my fingers crossed we have been blessed with the grant money we have already been given, and mustn’t be greedy! The kitchen upgrade when it goes ahead will require patience and flexibility to all who use the studio, although obviously we will aim for the least disruption.
All of the things I have mentioned happen because of the generosity of time and effort by members. I would like to thank all of this committee, and only mention briefly Tony Wynne who is retiring from the committee, but is going to continue being our Head of Maintenance.
So, now how do you feel about being a member of the Adelaide Art Society? Does the Society meet you needs and expectations? Is there something you would like to change, a project you would like to undertake on the Society’s behalf? I started here as a very ordinary member, and now eventually find myself standing here giving this report. It’s not that hard! And it only works because were all in it together. This is our Society. It becomes what we put in to it. It’s a great place to learn and practice our art and to enjoy the fellowship of others. We need to remember this and continue to build on it.
Pam Saint