Our November news
We’re reaching the pointy end of the year, where things get pretty busy before they slow down. There’s a swag of things going on before we wrap things up for 2025, and in this November edition of the newsletter, we’ll tell you all about them - as well as some reporting on good things past.
Our 50 year celebrations -
Rhodo Festival March and 50th anniversary gathering
It was just as we were mustering for the Rhodo Parade to begin that the storm broke. It was kind of hilarious, marching in the deluge down Wentworth Street behind the pipers and the ponies, many of us wishing we’d worn our wellies. This was the moment the Fibre group had worked towards for almost a year, making the BArtS banner to celebrate our 50 year milestone. Thanks to those brave and happy souls who marched with pride and brollies, and struck up an impromptu chorus of Singing in the Rain - what a glorious feeling. It really was something. And as soon as we reached the end, the rain stopped. Bonkers.
Afterwards at BArtS HQ, we raised our glasses to Gladys and Irene, whose tireless fundraising efforts helped make our beautiful studio a reality. They were inspiring women and community leaders, and it felt good to honour them. Our very own Francie Goudie shared some entertaining stories she’d discovered in the Blackheath Art Society archives. Many of these tales - along with plenty of fascinating history - are featured in BArts: 50 Years (Edition 1). If you haven’t grabbed your free copy yet, stop by BArts and pick one up.
Thursday Painters’ Exhibition
What a fantastic show - strong, professional and downright impressive. The Thursday Painters held a stunning weekend exhibition that garnered strong sales and earned a tonne of positive feedback. It’s great to see the studio-group-show initiative taking off and being so well executed. Big congratulations to everyone involved - we can’t wait for the next one.
BArtS buildings and grounds
Our new solar system is now fully operational, generating clean, free energy to run our kiln, air conditioners, and lighting. It’s great to have made BArtS a little greener and a lot more sustainable. Many thanks to Ian and Carol for their incredible work in the garden—landscaping, planting, and adding a touch of serenity to our creative space. The grounds are looking better than ever.
Here’s cheers
Grab your cup of tea, because we want to propose a toastAs we head toward the festive season, a heartfelt thank you to every one of our members, volunteers, and supporters. Your creativity, community spirit, and generosity are what make BArtS the heartful, energetic and vibrant place it is. Here’s to all we achieved together this year, and to an exciting new year of creative endeavour in 2026.
Warm regards to you all,
The BArtS Committee
Making art together since 1975