EASTER ART & CRAFT MARKET
Saturday 23rd April In time for Mothers day gifts

After the successful Christmas Art & Craft Market, the Society has decided to hold just two markets each year and the next is this Easter. Featuring all Australian Made items for sale and preferably made by the stall holder, this market is for those people who have not yet decided what gift they would like to buy their mother and of course, for themselves. We expect a great group of vendors will wish to showcase their artistic creations, For more information just contact Chris on 5423 2777 or Christiana on 54241566.

Who asked for more workshops?

Our local Flying Arts Regional Reps have been successful in obtaining a great tutor for a very creative, Acrylic mixed media workshop on the weekend of 2nd and 3rd April at St.Agnes Church Hall. You’ll be receiving a separate flyer on that event from ArtEskapes, detailing the programme and all about the artist Catherine Parker. Cost is only $80 for the weekend for SAS members, who have first bite of the cherry before being thrown open to the public. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling Tessa on 5424 2734 between 7 & 8pm before March 5th. A deposit of $40 secures your booking and can be paid by cash, direct deposit or PayPal.

Three of a Kind Exhibition.

Your Society has booked the Simeon Lord Room (our gallery) for an exhibition titled ‘Three of a Kind’. The exhibition will run from Monday July 25th July through to August 7th. This covers the weekend of the Esk Multicultural Day and with thousands of visitors for the day, the exhibition is an ideal venue to present your work.

What’s ‘Three of a Kind’? You team up with two other artists, decide on a theme and each works in a different medium towards creating one different piece each based on the theme. And, you can be in more than just one group, or one group could create several themes. Contrary to general belief, size does not matter. Come along to the next meeting as we’ll be discussing it in detail and it will give you a chance to meet with others to decide with whom you would like to work.

For more information on Three of a Kind call Chris on 5423 2777 or Christiana on 54241566..

Don’t forget the last Friday each month for Drop in Art Space This is a have fun, play with paint and brushes day for all members who want to join in and learn from each other. Julie is the co-ordinator and you can contact her for more info on 5424 1133. It’s BYO lunch and morning tea and $5 for the day. If you do not have a dropsheet to protect the floor, you can easily get one from the local hardware store.

Next Meeting is the first Saturday of March.
This is where we will be discussing Three of a Kind and other future events. Please come along and join in.

April Meeting. A Social Meeting. has been deferred for one week due to the Flying Arts Workshop with Catherine Parker. This will now be held on April 9th and will be more of a social day. We ask that you bring a plate for Lunch and we will enjoy a social get together on the lawns of the Pipeliner Park. Also, for talking points, we ask that everyone bring a piece of their art to display at the meeting. You don’t have to talk about it but be available if someone asks about it.
See you at the next meeting
Nev
Chris
Christiana
Julie

Whenever I have to choose between two evils,
I always like to try the one I haven’t tried before.

Welcome to the January, 2011 Newsletter.
Thought we would start off with something from the Queen of Quotes herself, Mae West, to put a smile on your face.

As Artists, no matter what your passion, sometimes getting started for the year can often be a trial. It requires motivation and inspiration. It takes more than a little energy, it takes refocusing and awareness. It can often mean taking a conscious look at your thoughts and realigning your purpose for the year. Some may need to write their goals to tap into their responsive creative force. I have yet to find anyone to wax lyrical about how easy it is. Motivation really matters so we’ll start with that segment.

MOTIVATION MATTERS
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams
Make ‘you’ the first priority in your life
I cannot expect even my own art to provide all of the answers- only to hope it keeps asking the right questions.
Never look down on anyone, unless you’re reaching down to give them a hand up
Become independent of the good opinion of other people.
Painting is an attempt to come to terms with life. There are as many solutions as there are human beings
To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong
What moves men of genius, or rather what inspires their work, is not new ideas, but their obsession with the idea that what has already been said is still not enough.

If you feel on motivation overload now.. that’s a good thing! Now for the inspiration  
Over the Christmas break I finally got to see the movie, Invictus. It starts with the release of Nelson Mandela from prison after 28 years, and how he later, as President, inspires a Nation and a football team (Springboks). However it’s the minor themes that can be applied to anyone’s life requiring more of yourself, exceeding your own expectations, how to be better than you think you can be and forgiveness liberates the soul. He tells how a Victorian Poem 'Invictus' written from a hospital bed by William Henley was the catalyst for his survival.or in his words, 'it allowed me to stand when all I wanted to do was lie down.'.

I transcribe if here for you in the hope that it ignites a small spark of your initial desire and joy that led you to your passion.

INVICTUS
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud,
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how straight the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the Master of my fate:
I am the Captain of my soul.

OUR SAS DAY
On the 4th Friday of every month the Somerset Art Society Inc will be holding a Painting/Creating Day. I.e. starting on February 25, 2011 from 10.00am 2.00pm. Subsequent dates are March 25, April 22 falls on Good Friday so we’ll be closed. Starting again Friday, May 27. All Welcome.
You can paint, thread pearls, exchange glaze recipes, any creative urge (within reason)tacking textiles, spinning or just come along relax, chat, socialise and have a cuppa.

The venue is St. Andrews Church, (Ralph’s Church) just across the bridge in Esk. And $5 for the day. Until we get organised could everyone bring their own tea or coffee.

SPECIAL WELCOME The Somerset Art Society Inc would like to especially welcome all the members of the Glenrock Stitch Group. We know your input and talents will enhance our Society.

A special welcome also to new members Ally Deadman and Jan Allan.

SAS TITBITS
Lyn Marshall will be holding a 2 day Acrylic Workshop $250 early in the year. Details will be emailed to me. Potters Supplies went under. In the floods they lost all their stock from the shop and a lot of clay from storage. When I visited last week they were cleaning up but spirits high.and feeling positive about opening in 2 weeks time.

Our Special thoughts go out to our member, Jill Maxworthy, who is receiving a new knee as we go to press. We look forward to new glaze recipes and many bike rides in 2011. Keep well, Jill

The Coachhouse has been sold. SAS would like to thank Jenny and Alan for their support and generosity last year. Dianne the new owner is happy to allow us to continue with our Artist of the Month display. Dianne will have retail stock in the front area as well as the coffee lounge and a small beauty salon in the rear of the shop. Good Luck Dianne.

CHRISTMAS ART AND CRAFT MARKET
Despite the weather, a fairly good first market. Most had some or good sales. The consensus of members on the day was that it was well worth having another market, maybe around Easter. This will be discussed at subsequent meetings. There were dual winners for The Best Stall Setup”. First prize went to both Jan Godfrey and Karen Keel. Both members had not only put a lot of work in, but a lot of thought into their set up, decoration and theme. Congratulations to both. Prize is two personalised ceramic bowls.

EVENTS CALENDAR A detailed events calendar including workshops will be in the next Newsletter..or better still come and join our meetings the 1st Saturday of the month at the Railway Building, Pipeliner Park, Esk at 10.00am The Newsletter team wish all members a productive and prosperous 2011. I will end with a Calcagno expression:- 'As an artist, it is central to be unsatisfied! This isn’t greed, though it might be appetite'.

Julie.

Our new calendar of events is now available to view at http://www.somersetartsociety.com.au/events.html.

Drop In Art Space is a new initiative from the Somerset Art Society. Everyone interested in some form of art are invited to come along and join together to discuss your ideas in an open, relaxed group. Coffee and Tea will be available but it is BYO for your morning, lunch and afternoon breaks.

Meetings will be held at St.Andrews Church on the southern end of Ipswich St in Esk. Admission is just $5 to help cover the rental for the day. Drops sheets are available to purchase so you do not have to worry about making a mess.

Because of public liability insurance requirements, we request that you join the Somerset Art Society on your first day.. Yearly membership is just $15 but you can take part in all exhibitions at members rates and attend the workshop planned for next year

Drop In Art Space is held on the last Friday of each month starting February 2011.
For more information contact Julie Buckworth on 5424 1133 So come along and join in.

Saturday December 11 is the day to mark on your calendar. Somerset Art Society will be holding an Art & Craft Market on the Rail Trail behind Ray Whites in Esk. Beginning at 8am through to 3pm, you will find a wide range of useful and decorative items for sale.

Promotions Officer Chris Vella says "We expect to have several dozen stalls from a very wide range of arts and crafts people from across the Somerset region. To ensure quality, all items for sale will be Australian made. And because we will be in the centre of town, food and drinks are available from the nearby shops, cafes and hotels."

Persons interested in having a stall should contact (after hours) Chris 5423  2777 or Christiana 5424 1566. All stall holders are automatically covered for Public Liability Insurance by the Somerset Art Society Inc.

Drop In Art Space is a new initiative from the Somerset Art Society. Everyone interested in some form of art are invited to come along and join together to discuss your ideas in an open, relaxed group. Coffee and Tea will be available but it is BYO for your morning, lunch and afternoon breaks.

Meetings will be held at St.Andrews Church on the southern end of Ipswich St in Esk. Admission is just $5 to help cover the rental for the day. Drops sheets are available to purchase so you do not have to worry about making a mess.

Because of public liability insurance requirements, we request that you join the Somerset Art Society on your first day.. Yearly membership is just $15 but you can take part in all exhibitions at members rates and attend the workshop planned for next year

Drop In Art Space is held on the last Friday of each month starting February 2011.
For more information contact Julie Buckworth on 5424 1133

Running in conjunction with the Esk MultiCultural Event, Hand in Hand is an exciting exhibition showcasing a range of diverse art forms.

Being held at St.Andrews Church in Ipswich St Esk on July 31st, this exhibition will feature work of our local painters, sculptors, ceramicists, photographers and pottery, wood and textile artists. The full entry form is available as a downloadable pdf at http://www.somersetartsociety.com.au/files/hih.pdf

Because of the loss of the Lyceum Theatre by fire, The Society handed over the CWA hall to the Esk Multicultural Society for their use on the day.

Recently, Judith Perry a long time resident of Esk, did a tour of Western Australia. This new exhibition sponsored by the Somerset Art Society brings you a range of images painted by Judith as memories of her trip.

Judith has been painting and exhibiting for the past 30 years at various sites.

The Somerset Art Society and Judith hope you will call in at the Coach House Cafe in Toogoolawah before June 7th to view these great paintings. Indulge yourself in a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a nibbly from just $5.

This is a joint effort to help promote local artists and local businesses as  each month we bring you a different artist.

Since the dawn of photography, artists have been captivated by the details produced in photographs and have strived to produce artwork that rivals the detail and sharpness of photographs. Ramon's deconstructive technique reverses that trend to produce art from photographs using similar techniques, brush and palettes of artists long departed.

Enjoy this display at the Sticky Fingers Restaurant in Esk from May 8th for one month.

Each month the Somerset Art Society will present a different artist at the Sticky Fingers. Drop in and have morning tea and enjoy the art displayed.

For the month of March and up to the 6th April, enjoy the works of local Artist Chris Vella at the The Coachhouse Cafe in Toogoolawah.

Each month the Coachhouse Cafe will feature the works of different members of the Somerset Art Society members.
Come along and see for yourself just how good your local artists are.and enjoy a really good cup of coffee, cakes and scones from $5 at the same time.

Like a dazzling array of gemstones, you will be enchanted by this Textile / Mixed Media art to be held on the weekend of 27th / 28th March in St. Andrews Church Esk.

Featuring the works of 8 local textile artists, this exhibition will be opened by Michelle Rose, VP of the Esk Community Choir. Following the opening is a musical recital by Frida Forsberg.

Come along and enjoy a great day and buy your ticket in the wonderful Easter Hamper raffle at the door.

Women on the Edge at Art in the Park

Somerset Art Society President, Christiana Ravanelli, has announced the first ever Art in the Park event in Esk. Expected to attract artists from the Somerset Region and beyond, Art in the Park is designed as an annual event to bring art to the people.

Expect to see artists of all types from brush to wheel to lens. The Application form for artists is available from this link.

Art in the Park will be held at the old Railway Building between 9am and 3pm on Saturday, November 21st. Food and drinks are available from the local Leukemia Foundation and the Lions of Esk, both sponsors along with The Rail Trail, Queensland Government, Somerset Regional Council, Brisbane Valley Hire and the MultiCultural Society.

Some artists will be giving demonstrations of their skills and questions are invited so wander around the great marquee and inspect the different art on walls, plinths and on artists own stands. 

Stomp your feet to a different drum when a number of solo musical artists plus several choirs and bands perform live throughout the day. You can join in with the usual foot stomping and clapping to the beat of the rythms.

This promises to be a Big Day Out with art for sale and 20% of the profits going to the Leukemia Foundation. For more information, contact Christiana on 07 5424 1566. CU there!

Scheduled Social Bus Trip to Eumundi Saturday 27 th February 2010.
Bus will depart Esk Bus Stop opposite NAB bank at 8am. You will have time to look at the markets or walk around town. Lunch is either BYO or at your cost. At 1pm we will all meet at The Art Bank which is a refitted historical  old sandstone bank building situated on Memorial Drive, that is now an exciting new gallery.

Meet with Margi

We will meet Margi Lim, the owner, and she will discuss her work etc. Departure for home will be around 3pm. Limited bookings are available for this outing (now fully booked) and the cost will be $20 pp. The minibus booked holds 21. To secure your seat, full payment to the Treasurer will be required on or before the Society breaks for Xmas (5th December last meeting). We have people on a wait list for cancellations if you wish to include your name.

To make your booking contact Tessa on 5424 2734 (7pm to 7:30pm)
or email  tessa@myesk.ws with your details.

Vi Woodward, a member of the Somerset Art Society and as part of her Diploma in Visual Arts she will be holding an exhibition with 3 other artists at Ipswich starting on the 25th of September 09.  Members who would like to attend, please contact Vi be email at woodyvt@bigpond.com

Several weeks ago at the monthly meeting of the Society it was announced by
 the president, Christiana Ravanelli that the Society had been approved
and registered as a non profit organisation. More on this and other matters
to be announced soon.