Dates for your diary….

 ***Sat 26 and Sun 27 Mar. Families Day for ”Conflicts in Time”. Suitable for children ages 5 – 10. Booking for this event is essential. Please see under “Forthcoming Exhibitions” below.

 Mon 28 Mar. Burton Society event.  ‘The History of No1 West Ascent’ .Talk  by Christine Francis in AF 1 at 7.30 pm.

 Thu 31 Mar. “Treacle Jnr”. Film. You can talk to the Director of this film through the medium of a Skype interview. Summary below under “Film”.

 Fri 1 Apr. Two  private views. “PaintGlassColour” in AF1. “Objects from the Id”

In AF2.

 Sat 2 Apr at 4 pm. Poetry Group meets. Focus on “Movement”.

 Sun 3 Mar @2.30. Mark Fisher will give a gallery talk in AF1

 Sun 9 Apr @ 1130. Tony Wynne and Mark Fisher give a gallery talk in AF1. 

Mon 11 April. Buchanan Book Reading Group @ 2 – 4pm. See members announcements. 

 Stop Press… 

*** Sid Beynon. Sid’s name is on the short list for commemoration in a ‘sculpture’ to be placed on a special bench on the new cycle path between Glynde Gap and the St Leonards seafront. Three names will be taken from the shortlist of nine people, all of whom are associated with Hastings and Bexhill.  An account of the competition appears on page 10 of Friday’s Observer. Voting is now open and will close this coming Friday, 6 April. You can choose three names from the list of nine people.

To vote, email rob.alderson@jpress.co.uk or write to Rob Alderson. C/o Hastings Observer, Woods House,Telford Road, St Leonards TN38 9LZ

Others on the list are Spike Milligan, John Logie Baird, Elizabeth Blackwell, Robert Tressell, Alan Turing, Tyrone Wildman, Sidney Little and Richard Boyley Ball. Biographies are published in the Hastings Observer.

***Family Workshops at the Forum, Sat 26  and Sun 27 Mar – for families with children, 5 – 10 years old. See under “Forthcoming Exhibitions” and “Conflicts in Time”. Places must be reserved. First come, first served. This should make a great family day out.

Jill (and Jack)-in-the-Green 28 April – 3 May. Anyone wanting inspiration / guidance on work for the Jack / Jill-in-the-Green may contact Katherine Reekie.

Katherine has long been a supporter of this Hastings festival and she also played a leading role in a re-creation of Sid Beynon’s “Nothing” mosaic for the Conflicts in Time Workshop day on Sat 19 Mar. Email to k.reekie@hotmail.co.uk.

Robin Holtom.  Robin, an early member of the Forum in 2003, and a current member of the Arts Committee is planning a series of portraits. He would like to hear from Forum members if they are interested in sitting for his project..  Tel ; 01424 200451.

Michel Guille continues to offer French conversation on Thursday aftetrnoons between 2 – 5. There is a steady attendance of between 8 – 12 at all levels of proficiency. All are welcome.

Discount for Forum members. (On  production of a Forum membership card.)

Brookers, Norman Rd  on bills of £10.

Expressions, Kings Rd.  on bills of £10.

Post Office Tearooms. 10% on menu items (not specials )

Relax Café, for meals from the menu.

 Current Exhibition… 

Conflicts in Time

  Forthcoming Exhibitions…

30 Mar – 13 Apr.AF1.Mark Fisher (paintings) and Anthony Wynne (stained glass)

Gallery Talks both week-ends – see under “Diary” above.                                                   

M a r k  F i s h e r. I was born in Canterbury in 1963.  I have spent most of my life in the Kent and Sussex area with the exception of 4 years in Australia and 4 years in London.  I have worked all my life in Design, originally in architecture then in the automotive industry.

I have always drawn and painted but I have also worked in ceramic and other three-D media.  I have exhibited and sold my work for the last 25 years and have recently been able to devote more time to my art. My subject usually features landscape. I am fascinated by light and tonal range and capture these elements to draw you into my work.  Rich colours and intriguing textures, enhance my distinctive and dramatic pictures. www.markfisherart.co.uk

Tony Wynne. Stained Glass Artist.  I live in Sedlescombe and create individual unique works of art from my home Studio.  I love working with glass as a medium and the beautiful colours it creates.  I find the textures and patterns of glass fascinating, with the reflection and refraction of light enabling me to create an eclectic range of work.  I draw my inspiration from the local area and beautiful countryside where I live.

I incorporate both traditional and contemporary aspects of stained glass work.  I undertake commissioned work  for windows, doors, mirrors, light panels, sun catchers and repair work. Currently I am creating new concepts of work to incorporate applique, stained glass mosiacs and garden art combining metal sculpture and stained glass.

30 Mar – 6 Apr. AF2. “Objects from the Id – vii”.  Phil Cosham, Peter Edwards,Tim

Riddihough, Siobhan Tanner and Rhian Thomas.

The exhibition is a mixture of found objects, clay, sculpture, oil paintings,

printmaking, mixed media and film.

8 – 13 Apr . Agnieszka Dabrowska. “Dimensions of Optimism”.

This is collection of work presented by Polish artist, Agnieszka Frala Dabrowska . The show consists of  artworks created between 2001  – 2011. There are prints; lithographs, linocuts, acrylics, watercolours and mixed media.

The art works are inspired by travel; changing places. The  works tell the story of  the places where artists used to live. This is an artist’s journey through a colouristic lens. The mood prevails  from optimism to shades of melancholy and loneliness that accompany Agnieszka’s  work .

13 – 27 Apr AF1. Andy Moran and 16 photgraphers

13 – 27 Apr in AF2. John Shanks and Michael Leale.

Exhibitions Elsewhere… 

Gill Gallery, Kings Rd. Paintings, Drawings and prints by Ian Francis. Works by Chris Milton, Rankle & Reynolds and Helen Brough.

http://www.martinpearceart.com

Ian David Baker. —-”the smaller picture” paintings and photographs at DOUBLE ELEPHANT, 42 Norman Road.10 March -9th April. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 11-16.00. For further info – 07713253209.

Steve Stanton in Number One, Photographs. Runs until early April.

Members’ Announcements…

Rose Miller posts Buchanan Book Group :  11th April.
We’ll be meeting to discuss stories from Runaway by Alice Munro.
If you are thinking of coming along, I’ve got four spare copies from the library.  Contact Rose on 01424 – 443164 to arrange collection.

Anton Hack, “ Hack-in-the-green”,  posts on  “Gardens”.

I do gardens and clearances. This is the time of year to think about it.

Anton is a founding member of the Forum, way back in 2003, and his company is“Hack-in-the-Green Garden Services”. Anton is trained in permaculture, chainsaw and woodland  management courses, and most recently, gained  an RHS Horticulture Certificate. Anton can be contacted at  vruges@yahoo.co.uk

Juliette Dodds posts. Drawing Workshop. “The Art of Classical Greece”

Sat, 23 April,10 – 3pm at Mountfield Community Arts. Tutor – Juliette Dodds. £45.00 (£40-concessions). Male life model. Bring your own art materials. Packed lunch provided.. For info tel 01424 424010. email: Juliette.bythesea@virgin.net

Rosie Harness posts

Feeling in need of a Spring Clean?   Rosie Harness offers Arts Psychotherapy (short-term) at the Wellington Centre for Natural Health, Hastings  01424 442 520.  She has an MA and Diploma in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy.  She has also begun offering delicious aromatherapy rejuvenating Facials (Rosie also ran her own holistic massage school in London for 14 years).  Members get a £5 discount on Facials.

Louise Crispin posts.   I’ve entered for the craft & design SELECTED AWARD. Please vote for me by visiting www.craftmaker.co.uk/louisacrispin The Public Vote is open until 31st March 2011 Don’t worry if you have already voted for someone else- you can vote more than once (but only once for each artist!) Thank you for your support.

Amy King posts – Models wanted !!!!!!!!!!!

Amy has been tasked by “Inspire” in 34,Robertson Street to find Life Models for Life Drawing classes. For more information about “Inspire” see www.inspirehastings.com/. If interested please call Amy on tel (01424) 422588.

Alice Mason posts .  I am looking for artists and makers for the Rye Arts and Crafts Fair which is a monthly event in Rye Community Centre.  The next two dates are on 2 and 30 April.  Email: alicemason367@hotmail.com

Caroline Macey posts ;  Life Drawing sessions (untutored ). £7 per session. Now in ballet room  at the Ore Centre Thursdays 1000 – 1200. Tel : 07923494475

Anna Keiller posts . Five Sessions Workshop;
Starting on Sunday 20th March 2011 at 10.30 – 1pm in Dudley Road Studios.
The course will run on Sunday 20th March, Sunday 27 of March, Sunday 3d of April, Sunday 10th of April and Sunday the 24th of April.
Cost is £120 inclusive all firings and materials plus refreshments.

The classes are small with max 6 people so please book early. Call 07722171818 or log on to www.annakeiller.com for more information.

Vanessa Fowler, B Ed, (Taught at Hastings College for 20 years) reminds members that she has on-going ceramic classes for adults and children.

After School Club(Mon / Tue / Wed )

Junior Pottery Club – Sat 1200 – 1300.

Adults,( incl one-to-one) as arranged. £10 per hour.

Anna Casson posts :  I am a Life and portrait model. Tel; 7791794103

FILM…St Leonards Film Society. 

Thu 31 Mar “Treacle Jnr” is the story of the development of an unconventional relationship between the troubled Tom and Aiden, a juvenile, excitable yet endearingly eccentric individual. Directed by Jamie Thraves, who will answer and discuss your questions via Skype at the end.

POETRY…

The Poetry Group will next meet in the Forum on Sat 2 April at 4 pm. The focus of the readings will be “movement” – ie, the mechanics of motion. John Davies will introduce the session.

Review – “Conflicts in Time”

Many members have asked us to clarify the role of the Forum in the recent academic workshop for “Conflicts in Time’ last Saturday, in other words -  how did the Forum fit in  to an international university discussion on globalisation and the conflicts in time. The short answer is “a picture can be worth a thousand words”. Academics are used to verbal expression, which can impose its limitations probably within a range of 60,000 words (the Oxford Dictionary editors suggest the range is unquantifiable and could reach 250,000 if homonyms, obsolete, dialect and technical scientific words are included).

The academics have been engaged on their project for some three years, driven by a search for lessons to be applied to globalisation – where a traditional ‘third World’ community can find itself working on modern industrial/development projects. The Forum artists have been working on their response for some eight months. The Saturday workshop saw the Forum in earnest discussion with the academics, including our musicians and poets.

The Forum response expressed at the Workshop was diverse, as with Lynne Bingham, whose work was reacting to the relentless onward march of time and how we are powerless to influence the past or define the future. John Plummer’s work looked at how Man tries to make order out of chaos – “how we find pattern and comprehend nature”. 

John Hacker showed 22 images of the same view taken over a year. Mary Morris exhibited four painted impressions of landscapes chronicled over two centuries.

Andrew Moran examined how our responses to events are affected by, and conditioned by, the “conflict” between natural duration and the artificial man-made construct of measuring time. Max Irwin showed a video presentation of two time measurements starting from the same construct. Sid Beynon’s work showed four photographic prints of beach art, which were created with respect to the rhythm of time and tides and Katherine Reekie led a band of volunteers on the beach – beautifully warm and sunny on the day the moon was closest to Earth – to create Sid’s image of “Nothing”.in stone.

Rosie O’Driscoll focused on the “discarded detritus” of man. Her construction made out of used teabags attracted much comment. Rose Biela showed the ravages that night shift working in the NHS can have on the human system, heightened by simple changes such as the annual changes to British summer and winter times. Sue Barnes looked at the growth of plants and interpreted them through the measurements of the Chinese Agricultural lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar. Nick Weekes and his fellow musicians gave a strong account of their music and its relation to “time”. The workshop ended on an upbeat note with two relevant but lighthearted poems for the occasion from Michael and Elaine Short.

Dates for your diary….

 Sat 19 Mar. Private View for “Conflicts in Time”. 6.30 – 8.30. The exhibition will be opened by  Councillor Kim Forward, Mayor of Hastings at 7 pm. We expect to see visitors from UK, Dutch and American universities.

During the afternoon, it is planned that a re-creation of Sid Beynon’s shingle mosaic of “Nothing” will be written in stones on the beach between the High and Low tide marks as part of the workshop for academics that day. See below under “Conflicts in Time” post. The exact format of this recreation will obviously be weather dependent. Music ( electro – acoustic) by the Warrior Squares.

 Sun 20 Mar. Sara Harris has an open house at 3. Stanhope Place for her

“Affordable Art” Fair. See under ‘Members Announcements’.

Alex Leadbeater.10 – 4 at Harold Mews (between Stanhope Pl and East Ascent). Creatives Clear Clutter !!!. Buy /Sell / Swap art materials, clothing and ‘arty things’. Tables available. Tel 423457.

***Sat 26 and Sun 27 Mar. Families Day for ”Conflicts in Time”. Suitable for children ages 5 – 10. Booking for this event is essential. Please see under “Forthcoming Exhibitions” below.

 Mon 28 Mar. Burton Society event.  ‘The History of No1 West Ascent’ .Talk  by Christine Francis in AF 1 at 7.30 pm.  

Sat 2 Apr at 4 pm. Poetry Group meets.

Stop Press…

 ***Family Workshops Day at the Forum, Sat 26 / Sun 27 Mar – for families with children, 5 – 10 years old. See under “Forthcoming Exhibitions and “Conflicts in Time”. Places must be reserved. First come, first served. This should make a great family day out. 

Jill (and Jack)-in-the-Green 28 April – 3 May. Anyone wanting inspiration / guidance on work for the Jack / Jill-in-the-Green may contact Katherine Reekie.

Katherine has long been a supporter of this Hastings festival and she will also be playing a leading role in a re-creation of Sid Beynon’s “Nothing” mosaic for the Conflicts in Time Workshop day on Sat 19 Mar. Email to k.reekie@hotmail.co.uk.

Robin Holtom.  Robin, an early member of the Forum in 2003, and a current member of the Arts Committee is planning a series of portraits. He would like to hear from Forum members if they interested in sitting for his project..  Tel ; 01424 200451.

Michel Guille continues to offer French conversation on Thursday aftetrnoons between 2 – 5. There is a steady attendance of between 8 – 12 at all levels of proficiency. All are welcome.

 iscount for Forum members. (On  production of a Forum membership card.)

Brookers, Norman Rd  on bills of £10.

Expressions, Kings Rd.  on bills of £10.

Post Office Tearooms. 10% on menu items (not specials )

Relax Café, for meals from the menu.

Current Exhibition…                                   

   Conflicts in Time. 17 – 29 Mar in AF1 and AF2. 

“A picture is worth a thousand words”. This is an exhibition, where artists express their view on the meaning of time, as a backdrop to a workshop of academics conditioned to verbal expression.

This exhibition is a joint project between the Forum and the Department of Anthropology, London School of Economics with funding from the Economic and Social Science Research council (ESRC). The exhibition will be curated by Griselda Bear.

Dr Laura Bear, from the LSE, has been leading a three year long series of seminars in which anthropologists from the UK and USA examine issues of global time. 11 Forum artists have been invited to bring their different forms of expression, which reach beyond the medium of words, to illuminate the Conflicts in Time which the anthropologists have been discussing.  In this exhibition visitors will be seeing time, and many of the puzzles and conflicts that it generates in our lives, through the visually dramatic representations created by the Forum’s  artists.

 The Forum artists are   Sue Barnes, Sid Beynon, Rose Biela, Lynne Bingham,

John Hacker, Andrew Moran, Mary Morris, Rosie O’Driscoll, John Plummer and

Annie Rae. Other Forum participants are Laura Bear, Mary Dawson( organizing

a family workshop on Sat 26 Mar) , Harry Lyons, Julian Rumball (puppeteer) and

Nick Weekes ( coordinating musical input – with  thismachine   - Musicians

performing are ‘A Series’ in the gallery on 19 March and on 26 March ‘Warrior

Squares’‘ (Electro/Acoustic improvisations for the family workshops )

 Family workshops      Memories o’er Time –  Past Present and Future

10 to 11 am on Saturday 26 — and also Sunday 27 March.

The Workshop is intended for families with children 5 to 10 years

****Booking is essential   Limited places 

Using objects and photographs from your family we will create positive family stories using artistic display and drama.

 Please will children bring a photo of themselves as a baby or infant and a recent self photograph. Also bring precious objects or photographs that hold special family memories. These will be used to construct a display for each family and evoke positive memories.

Each family may wish to act out a memory or future hopes that connect to past memories.

 For information and booking contact the facilitator Mary Dawson Rainbow Stories

Email rainbowsmary@phonecoop.coop or telephone 01424 852668

 Forthcoming Exhibitions… 

30 Mar – 13 Apr.AF1.Mark Fisher (paintings) and Anthony Wynne (stained glass)

30 Mar – 6 Apr. AF2. “Objects from the Id – vii”.  Phil Cosham, Peter Edwards,Tim

Riddihough, Siobhan Tanner and Rhian Thomas.

The exhibition is a mixture of found objects, clay, sculpture, oil paintings,

printmaking, mixed media and film.

8 – 13 Apr . Agnieszka Dabrowska. “Dimensions of Optimism”.

This is a collection of work presented by Polish artist, Agnieszka Frala Dabrowska . The show consists of  work made between 2001  – 2011- prints, lithography, linocut, acrylic, watercolours and mixed media.

My art is inspired by travel. My pictures tell a story about the places where I used to live. This is a colourful trip by an artist, Agnieszka, through different  moods; from very optimistic through  to shades of melancholy  and loneliness.

I  have always been interested  in variety of approaches to art. Painting was the first medium which fascinated me,but I also work in drawing, photography and body painting.

My artworks are related to nature and landscape. This is my chance to explain the difficulties in my images and  the secretive places, where reality  melts down.  For this reason, the character of my works is diverse. The paintings are calm and creative and have a watercolour effect with considerable depth. On the other hand you can see works that are extremely bold, using blue, red and orange on canvas.  

Exhibitions Elsewhere… 

Gill Gallery, Kings Rd. Paintings, Drawings and prints by Ian Francis. Works by Chris Milton, Rankle & Reynolds and Helen Brough.

http://www.martinpearceart.com

Ian David Baker. —-”the smaller picture” paintings and photographs at DOUBLE ELEPHANT, 42 Norman Road.10 March -9th April. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 11-16.00. For further info – 07713253209.

Members’ Announcements…

 Anton Hack, “ Hack-in-the-green”,  posts on  “Gardens”.

I do gardens and clearances. This is the time of year to think about it.

Anton is a founding member of the Forum, way back in 2003, and his company is“Hack-in-the-Green Garden Services”. Anton is trained in permaculture, chainsaw and woodland  management courses, and most recently, gained  an RHS Horticulture Certificate. Anton can be contacted at  vruges@yahoo.co.uk

 Rosie Harness posts

Feeling in need of a Spring Clean?   Rosie Harness offers Arts Psychotherapy (short-term) at the Wellington Centre for Natural Health, Hastings  01424 442 520.  She has an MA and Diploma in Integrative Arts Psychotherapy.  She has also begun offering delicious aromatherapy rejuvenating Facials (Rosie also ran her own holistic massage school in London for 14 years).  Members get a £5 discount on Facials.

Louise Crispin posts.   I’ve entered for the craft & design SELECTED AWARD. Please vote for me by visiting www.craftmaker.co.uk/louisacrispin The Public Vote is open until 31st March 2011 Don’t worry if you have already voted for someone else- you can vote more than once (but only once for each artist!) Thank you for your support.

Amy King posts – Models wanted !!!!!!!!!!!

Amy has been tasked by “Inspire” in 34,Robertson Street to find Life Models for Life Drawing classes. For more information about “Inspire” see www.inspirehastings.com/. If interested please call Amy on tel (01424) 422588.

 Sara Harris posts ‘Affordable Art & Craft Sale’ , Sunday 20 Mar, 11am –  4pm at  3,Stanhope Place, Burtons St Leonards. Original prints, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, textiles and more by local artists, designers and craftspeople. And everything under £50! If you’re having a studio spring clean and would like to put any items into the sale please contact Sara on sara.bythesea@yahoo.co.uk.

Alice Mason posts .  I am looking for artists and makers for the Rye Arts and Crafts Fair which is a monthly event in Rye Community Centre.  The next two dates are on 2 and 30 April.  Email: alicemason367@hotmail.com

Caroline Macey posts ;  Life Drawing sessions (untutored ). £7 per session. Now in ballet room  at the Ore Centre Thursdays 1000 – 1200. Tel : 07923494475

 Anna Keiller posts . Five Sessions Workshop;
Starting on Sunday 20th March 2011 at 10.30 – 1pm in Dudley Road Studios.
The course will run on Sunday 20th March, Sunday 27 of March, Sunday 3d of April, Sunday 10th of April and Sunday the 24th of April.
Cost is £120 inclusive all firings and materials plus refreshments.

The classes are small with max 6 people so please book early. Call 07722171818 or log on to www.annakeiller.com for more information.

 Vanessa Fowler, B Ed, (Taught at Hastings College for 20 years) reminds members that she has on-going ceramic classes for adults and children.

After School Club(Mon / Tue / Wed )

Junior Pottery Club – Sat 1200 – 1300.

Adults,( incl one-to-one) as arranged. £10 per hour.

 Alice King posts “I am a life model. Tel : 07596728128.”

 Anna Casson posts :  I am a Life and portrait model. Tel; 7791794103

FILM…St Leonards Film Society. 

Thu 31 Mar “Treacle Jnr” is the story of the development of an unconventional relationship between the troubled Tom and Aiden, a juvenile, excitable yet endearingly eccentric individual. Directed by Jamie  Thraves, who will answer and discuss your questions via Skype at the end.

POETRY…

 The Poetry Group will next meet in the Forum on Sat 2 April at 4 pm. The focus of the readings will be “movement” – ie, the mechanics of motion. John Davies will introduce the session.