Our May news
BArtS is making your winter warmer...
It’s just three weeks till the winter solstice, can you believe it? Here at the top of the mountains, as the days get shorter and darker and colder, BArtS is - as ever - the comfiest place to be. The studio is toasty, the friendships warm, and the atmosphere is wonderfully cosy. We’ve got so much hygge* going on, even the Danes are envious.
You’re warmly invited to come and experience all this goodness at our June Members’ Social + Show and Tell on Saturday 7th June 4 - 6pm. Please RSVP to info@blackheathart.com
This will be the launch of a new idea we had. From now on, at our monthly drinks, each Studio Group will get the chance to show the other members what they’ve been up to, and have a mini-exhibition of sorts. It’s a bit like a salon, really, and it’s a great chance to get an insight into what happens in a studio group, and for group members to dip a toe into the world of exhibiting (and possibly even selling) their work in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. There may also be demonstrations - and even a chance to have a go yourself.
For the launch at our monthly Social on June 7, we’re kicking off with the Fibre Group. Besides checking out the individual projects people have been working on, you’ll also be able get up close and personal with the incredible BArtS banner they’ve been making together. It’s exciting that we’ll be able to proudly march behind the banner in the Rhodo parade - to celebrate our 50th year of Blackheath Art Society! (More coming about that excitement in our next newsletter…)
BArtS monthly socials are warm and relaxed and inclusive, so we can bring people together, create connections and strengthen community. Come along for a nosh and a glass and spend some time meeting new people and catching up with your BArtS compadres.
*https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/what-is-hygge-and-why-is-it-good-for-your-wellbeing/
Feeling inspired to join a Studio Group?
Here are a few FAQs to get you started…
What happens in a Studio Group?
Members work on their own projects, while sharing space with like-minded creatives. There’s no formal tuition. It’s a regular chance to progress your own projects with people doing similar work in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.
Who can join?
Any BArtS member is welcome to join a Studio Group.
What if I’ve never tried the art form before?
For most studio groups, it doesn’t matter if you are new to the form or practice. If you’re curious about clay or printmaking though, we recommend signing up for a workshop first. This is a great way to get familiar with the equipment.
What does it cost?
All studio groups have a basic fee of $5-$10 per session per person. Some groups have additional charges for materials or to pay for life models.
And the cleanup?
Every studio group needs to clean up at the end of their allotted time, so the space is left clean and tidy for the next group. Respect for the space is respect for the community, and that's important to everyone at BArtS.
We hope to see you at the Members’ Social + Show and Tell on June 7 - and maybe even in a studio group soon, too.
For more details on the groups and hours, please see our website or contact us at info@blackheathart.com.
Sculpture Garden Update
A few of our garden design enthusiasts and green thumbs have recently met to discuss plans for the BArtS sculpture garden. We’re incredibly lucky to have a dedicated, skilled team volunteering for this project. This small and mighty committee is making big plans to transform the garden into a beautiful and functional space for all.
Approvals from Council take time, but it’s good to be getting started. We’re excited to see how the process unfolds.
The Bartchibalds & Open Day
Save the Date
After last year’s runaway success, our lighthearted take on the Archibald Prize - the Bartchies - is back, baby! Create a portrait of someone you love, regardless of their species. The Bartchies is your chance to create a portrait of your pet, an animal that isn’t your pet, or, if you must, a human friend, or family member. Humans are mammals too, after all.
We created the Bartchies to be a joyously uncurated free-for-all of a show, where a four year old’s crayon budgie portrait might be sitting beside a grizzled old artist’s oil painting of her faithful hound. It’s always our most heart-warming exhibition of the year.
Opening (with Members' Drinks)
Saturday 2nd August from 5pm
Exhibition + Open Day
Sunday 3rd August, 10am - 4pm
What can you enter?
Portrait of a pet, an animal or a person
Any medium (2D or 3D), framed or unframed
Max size: 30cm on the longest side (or cubed for 3D)
Other things you need to know
There’s no entry fee.
You can enter it for sale, or not. It’s up to you (10% commission on sales).
You do need to be a member if you are over 18.
More info about artwork drop-off will be circulated closer to the date.
Open Day Highlights
On the Sunday of the Bartchies exhibition there’ll be demonstrations from various studio groups and teachers, delicious food and drinks, and fun community art activities for all ages. Come and have a wee taster of what BArtS has to offer. You won’t want to miss it for quids.
Community Collaborations
BArtS is all about community, and we wanted to do a shout-out about a fantastic initiative we are involved with - for kids - all about creativity and friendship. Earlier this year, Charlotte (12 years old) and our very own Jules Booth started Art Space – a creative group for 10 - 14-year-olds. Currently, the group is exploring and creating with clay, and they are having a great old time of it.
Art Space is a small, supportive group, and very popular. Luckily, we have one spot available for a young person to join. If you’d like to snag that spot, just email Jules workshops@blackheathart.com. Parents, grandparents and carers are encouraged to create, too.
When: 4th Sunday of every month Time: 2 - 4pm
Cost: $10 per session + kiln firing fees
So that’s it for now, good people. If you’re chilly as you read this, get some proper hygge going at your place. Maybe make a cup of Milo and light a candle - and most importantly, get all the good things at BartS onto your calendar.
Cheers,
The BArtS Team