BArtS Newsletter – April Update
Easter Members Exhibition photography by BArtS member Emma Leslie
What a cracking Easter long weekend we had at our Members Exhibition. Despite road closures, fuel shortages and everything else going on, we had a steady stream of visitors come through—many leaving with a Bartisan artwork to take home.
We’re excited to share that 29 artworks were sold, and together with our raffle, we raised over $3,000 for BArtS. An amazing result—thank you!
Thanks to our judges, Rilke Oakley (Artistic Program Leader, BMCC) and Rae Bolton (Artistic Director, BigCi), and congratulations to all our prize winners:
1st Prize (2D): Ann Lemon for Super Massive
2nd Prize (2D): Steve Ingram for A View from my Window
1st Prize (3D): Xena Fischer for Lenore’s
2nd Prize (3D): Rodger Bourne for A Small Desert Creature
People’s Choice (shared): Robert Shepherd for Tree Study and Annie Joseph for Afternoon on the Murie
An exhibition like this only comes together because of lots of hardworking BArtS volunteers. Thanks to Kim Caldwell and Jen Hardwick for organising, and to Julie Paterson for coordinating the artwork and social media. And of course, to the set-up crew, the meeters-and-greeters, the sellers and caterers.
The exhibition was beautifully arranged and hung by Julie Paterson, Jen Buick and Yve Thompson. With over 100 artworks on display, the space was vibrant and inspiring.
To all the artists who entered - especially those exhibiting for the first time - good on you for taking part. We hope you felt proper chuffed to see your work on display, hung beside the work of other artists in our connected creative community.
Garden Busy Bee
Small team - big results. Ian got things started by preparing the ground on Saturday. On Sunday, Anne, Jen, Genevieve and Laverne tackled a mountain of cardboard, while Anita soaked the ground. Ray, Ann, Jen, Genevieve and Laverne spread mulch, and Carol donated and planted many native plants. Ray and Jen pruned and mulched out the front too.
Big shout-out to Jen Buick for resurfacing the old tabletops—they look fabulous and are ready for another decade of creativity.
And here’s some especially sunny news - our solar system has already reduced our quarterly power bill by around 75%.
Parking Reminder
For everyone’s safety and access, please be thoughtful when you park at BArtS.
There is room for three cars along the right-hand fence. On the left side, park nose-in toward the small dark grey kiln shed, to the left of the path between the main building and the container.
Please park as close as safely possible to the next car so we can fit everyone in. Thanks, good people, for helping keep things running smoothly for all members.
Classes and Studio Groups
Term 2 kicks off this week with three great classes:
Clay Basics with Veronique Sellies – a few spots still available
Painting: Technique, Colour and Composition with Michael Herron – fully booked
Learn to Draw with Alex Snellgrove – a few spots left
Our established Studio Groups are going strong. In response to BArtS members’ many queries about after-hours sessions, we’ve added two new evening options:
Clay (Tuesdays, 5:30–8:30pm)
Sculpture (Wednesdays, 5:30–8:30pm)
Spread the good word and come join in.
Members Drinks & Pop-Up Exhibition
Friday May 1st
5–7pm
MayDay! MayDay! This Friday from 5–7pm it’s time for Members’ Drinks.
Our Clay Group will also be hosting a mini pop-up exhibition, with some pieces for sale. Come and catch up over a cheeky glass and see what the claymakers have been up to.
Hope to see you there.
Warmly,
The BArtS Team