Dates for your diary….   

Sun 1 May @ 10-11am. Children’s Workshop. “Jack-in-the-Green” Workshop

By Mary Dawson. See below under Forthcoming Exhibitions.

 Sun 1 May @ 3 pm. Amber Rudd, MP, will visit the Forum to talk about her “Keep May Day as a public holiday”. She will also visit the ‘Jack’ exhibition.

Fri 6 May. Private view in AF2 @5-7 pm. Note time of preview.

Fri 6 May. Preview in AF1 @ 6.30 – 8.30.

 Sat 7 May @5 pm (Note change from 4 pm). Poetry Group focus on the theme “Music”. 

Stop Press…

 Jill (and Jack)-in-the-Green 28 April – 3 May.

Children’s Workshop There will also be a Jack-in-the-green children’s workshop led by Mary Dawson  (Rainbow Mary). Email rainbowsmary@phonecoop.coop or telephone 01424 852668

 Club Français de 2 à 5.  Between Thu, 28 Apr – 9th June, Michel Guille’s role will be taken on by some of the regular participants, including Fiona, Pierre and Chris.  Do come along and support them.

In the meantime there is plenty to do and discuss in Michel’s pre-Easter sessions.  And on the 21st April, on the occasion of the birthday of ‘Le Duc de Normandie’, there will be a Spring Quiz.

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 Exhibitions… 

 28 Apr – 3 May. In AF1 and  AF2 “Jack-in-the-Green.” Traditional Hastings May Festival. Mixed media. Jack,  Jill, motor bikes and Morris Dancers all represented in our members’exhibition. 68 images.

 Sunday 1 May at 10 – 11 am.  Green Mask making workshop. Kids are welcome!!      FREE      With        Mary       Vanessa     and     Tara.

Come and make a mask to wear at the Jack-in-the-Green celebrations. Recycled and natural materials provided BUT bring your own too. NO booking needed .

Details from Mary 01424 852668     Email rainbowsmary@phonecoop.coop

Forthcoming Exhibitions…

 5 – 10 May. In AF1. “Prospect Studio”. Paintings by Maureen Connett, Dora Fandousi, Heather Hookey, Jen Painter, Jennie Stephens.

  5 – 17 May in AF2.  “Art as expression” Paintings by Elsie May, Cynthia Strother Smith, Jo Messer. Note timings for the private view, 5 – 7 pm.

 Elsie May My painting is the result of experience – emotional and physical- related to line, colour and form on the canvas with the application of paint thick and thin plus scraping and scratching where necessary until satisfied with the picture.  Visits to Hastings intensified my delight in the shapes and colours of the sea and beach and the furniture with which we equip them.  ,

 Cynthia Strother Smith  “The boundaries of painting and drawing should always be pushed but choices have to be made; whether to play safe or take risks where a mark or a scribble may be vital to the finished work by giving it life and interest”

Jo Messer. These paintings are about colour and the paint. They usually start from drawings or from memory, a poem or something that catches the imagination from a newspaper image, to familiar things that need to be looked at again in a different context or scale. Street art also gets a look in sometimes.

The start is always exciting and energetic; the first line or “right” colour excites. At the start you cannot see the finished article; you may have to change the picture many times until the subject looks right in the space it occupies.

 Jo Messer has been painting for more than 30 years. Has had her work hung in numerous exhibitions including the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, Woodstock Museum Gallery and other galleries in the UK. She was short listed for the John Moores 25 painting prize in 2008 and her paintings were also featured in the publication “Feelings about a Form”.

12 – 24 May in AF1. Danny Mooney.  New painting and sculpture..

 19 – 24 May.in AF2. Emily Johns. Lino etchings.

25 – 31 May in AF1. Emily Johns. Lino etchings.

26 – 31May in AF2. Writing workshop led by Ann Rouse in conjunction with Emily Johns. 

1 – 14 Jun in AF1. Pip Carpenter. 

Exhibitions Elsewhere…

 Stuart Duff View from a Window. Previews this Saturday, 30 April 3-6 pm at Black Shed Gallery, Robertsbridge. For more details see www.blackshedgallery.org.uk                        

Katherine Reekie in Love Gallery. Katherine is having an exhibition of paintings and drawings at the Love Cafe. Its a collection of still life works.
I would like to invite all Forum members to the show.

Eastbourne Festival. 23 Apr – 15 May. Several Forum are members taking part by opening their studios or exhibiting in galleries. These include Ian Francis, Jan Mirosola-Jones, Fenya Sharkey and Liz Claridge.

Jan Mirosola-Jones and Cathryn Kemp are exhibiting at 4A, Baslow Road

 Fenya Sharkey and Liz Claridge exhibit at the Old Studio, 14, Bath Road, daily for three weeks. Additionally Fenya is facilitating a textile exhibition at the WRVS Centre on 3 May. Further info at tel: 07889895922

Ian Francis. Exhibiting in “The Plantation”, Carlisle Road, EASTBOURNE (near the Towner). Runs 21 Apr – 15 May. Ian adds that if you are in Eastbourne for the Arts Festival, drop in, have a cup of coffee and enjoy his abstract work.

 Theirry Alexandre, a French member of the Forum, will forsake his paintbrush and charcoal to dance Butoh as part of the Eastbourne ‘fringe’. (Butoh is a form of avant garde movement dance) Theirry will be  accompanied by experimental musician, Geoff Leigh at ‘the Lamb’. Entry is £5.00. You can get an idea of Butoh see

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZV1-UO0HgM

 Members’ Announcements…

Georgina Chinnery Is exhibiting at Collect, the International Art for contemporary objects  from 6 – 9 May at the Saatchi Gallery. Georgina is in the Project Space – a space set aside for risk-taking work and disciplines that are not fully represented on mainstream fairs. For more space see http://www.craftscouncil.org.uk/collect/

“…Form and function underpin Georgina’s artistic work. Using natural hides, Georgina creates furniture and accessories using classical techniques of leather carving – artfully worked and tooled …”

Mary Dawson posts Hastings Story Telling Festival Fri 29 Apr, also Nov 2011

 Treasured Tales   4.30pm – 5.30pm (for children aged 3-10)

Stories to delight and inform, with child heroes, sea creatures,

pirates, dragons and much more!

Storyteller Mary Dawson   Sea side Tales

Puppeteer Sue Bodkin ‘Where’s the Treasure?’

Admission to this session is FREE.

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Birth of Taliesin & other Celtic Stories 7.30pm – 9.30pm (for grown-ups + older children)

Storytellers: Two Bards in a Coracle, Ben Fairlight and Hilary Watkins

Tickets:  £4/3   £10 family (up to 4)

Tickets for this session are available see www.hastingsstoryfest.org.uk

All proceeds to go to the Storytelling Festival in November

Mark Roberts. Forum and Activ8 member is exhibiting in London 20-22 May at the Impact Art Fair. Mark is showing four pictures. For further information see

www.impact-art-air.org.uk   3,Torrens St, Islington EC1V 1NQ.

Anna Keiller posts . Five Sessions Workshop; Ceramics, Sun 10 Apr and  24 April. Cost is £120 inclusive all firings and materials plus refreshments. The classes are small with max 6 people. 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.

FILM…St Leonards Film Society. The society which aims to bring film culture to neighbourhoods.

POETRY… 

The Poetry Group will next meet in the Forum on Sat 7 May at 4 pm. The focus of the readings will be “music” . We hope Silas and Lee will perform some African poems to music.

 What Price Photography?

 During the last fortnight, we had two photographic exhibitions, one by “A Sense of Place”  (John Shanks and Mike Leale), mainstream, which sold five pictures. The other exhibition , in AF1, “An Anthology”  by the Photohub Group,  was looking at new concepts in photography and sold no pictures. This, in spite of the fact that comments were virtually unanimous in praise of the Photohub’s ingenuity and professionalism.

It has been suggested that the prices for work by Photohub were high – certainly higher than those charged by “ A Sense of Place” but Photohub discussed the issue of price at length among themselves, and it was decided that prices  must reflect the time and  costs involved in creating new work.

All artists will sympathise with the plight of Photohub in fixing prices at a level to recoup their costs, or some of them. However, there is also another issue brought out by the two exhibitions – the attitude to photography in the hierarchy of ‘fine art’. There were several comments to the effect that the Photohub prices were ‘too high for photography’, with the implication that they were not too high for painting. When asked about this, Andrew Moran replied that he was disappointed photography was still expected to justify its position as an art form – this was surely established in the debates of the 1980s.

However, these issues are relevant to the Forum as it strives to meet its commitments to ‘raising the profile of the arts in Hastings’ as demanded by its constitution. This contrasts with the necessity of attracting enough income to remain solvent. In order to provide exhibition space for innovative exhibitions we need to give space to exhibitions which are mainstream and sell. 

A copy of this will be posted on the website, please give us your views

 

 

Bulletin 193 – Sat 23 Apr 2011Dates for your diary…. Tue 26 Apr. Burton St Leonards Society. “AHistory of the Bohemia Estate” by Heather Grief. 7 for 7.30 pm.   Members £2.00; Non-members £4.00 Wed 27 Apr. Jack/ Jill-in-the-Green. Hand-in work. This is a members’show. Thu 28 Apr. Film.  “The Kids are alright.” 7 for 7.45. Fri 29 Apr. 6.30 – 8.30. Private view for Jack-in-the-Green Sun 1 May @ 10-11am. Children’s Workshop. “Jack-in-the-Green” Workshop By Mary Dawson. Sat 7 May @ 5pm (Note change from 4pm). Poetry Group focus on the theme “Music”. Stop Press… Royal Wedding. Shops and businesses on the St Leonards Seaside Strip are holding a street party on Friday 29 April. If you have not received a ‘Command’ to attend the Royal Wedding at Westminster Abbey, you are cordially invited to join in on Friday afternoon. Wear something ‘royal’ and have a bit of fun. Bring some food and drink and enjoy. In the evening, there is also the private view for “Jack and Jill-in-the-Green”. Jill (and Jack)-in-the-Green 28 April – 3 May. Children’s Workshop There will also be a Jack-in-the-green children’s workshop led by Mary Dawson  (Rainbow Mary). Email rainbowsmary@phonecoop.coop or telephone 01424 852668 Club Français de 2 à 5.  Between Thu, 28 Apr – 9th June, Michel Guille’s role will be taken on by some of the regular participants, including Fiona, Pierre and Chris.  Do come along and support them. In the meantime there is plenty to do and discuss in Michel’s pre-Easter sessions.  And on the 21st April, on the occasion of the birthday of ‘Le Duc de Normandie’, there will be a Spring Quiz. 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 Exhibitions… 14 – 26 Apr AF1.“An Anthology”. This show has been well noticed in a review by Cate Gunther of  the “Hastings  Observer”.  Quote: “ “An Anthology celebrates the abstract…” “…A visit is strongly recommended… “ An Anthology” presents the work of 14 photographers curated by Andrew Moran. They are all members of the Photo hub group under the leadership of Grace Lau, as part of a collaborative initiative between the Photo hub group and the Media Enterprise Centre supported by Hastings Borough Council. Following on from the successes of the Brighton Photo Fringe Hastings event in October 2010, this is the first of a series of photographic happenings in 2011 with a view to growing potential for the photo biennial 2012. 14 – 26 Apr in AF2. John Shanks and Michael Leale. “ A SENSE OF PLACE”” About John Shanks.Born in Glasgow, arrived in Hastings after 35 years in London. John’s “…early passion for the theatre and the arts generally has continued with an increasing and wide range of works based on photographic images. Rather than ‘taking’ he is interested in ‘making’ images and the examples of work he will exhibit represent a spread of interests over time. This exhibition is a welcome return to work that has been collected and developed over a number of years. All images will be signed limited editions. About Mike Leale. Born in Guernsey a long time ago. After leaving school and a few false starts I got myself a job on the local newspaper. Stayed a couple of years and thought I knew it all , so came to London to seek my fortune. Still searching. Finished up with my own studio in Covent Garden where I worked for clients as diverse as Slazenger, New Zealand Lamb, Aristoc. Milk Marketing Board, Grattons ,Goodyear and Gus. Also shot many record sleeves for Pye Records, most notably for the Kinks and Sandie Shaw. About Mike’s images: “…..most of the images here were taken in between assignments in places like New York and Rio de Janeiro. As most of my work was still life , food, jewellery etc I find that my personal work, quite unconsciously, tends to follow the same rules of composition as for a still life.  I am also very attracted by pattern and colour in urban landscapes. The more recent series taken in Hastings’ amusement arcades show this very well. My only criteria for taking a shot or rejecting it… does it interest me? does it make a good picture?  Those looking for a message will, I’m afraid,  be disappointed. All images are gicle prints on archival paper…” www.mikelealescanography.co.uk Forthcoming Exhibitions… 28 Apr – 3 May. In AF1 and  AF2 “Jack-in-the-Green.” Traditional Hastings May festival. Mixed media. 5 – 10 May. In AF1. “Prospect Studio”. Paintings by Maureen Connett, Dora Fandousi, Heather Hookey, Jen Painter, Jennie Stephens. 5 – 17 May in AF2.  “Art as expression” Paintings by Elsie May, Cynthia Strother Smith, Jo Messer. 12 – 24 May in AF1. Danny Mooney. New paintings and sculpture. 19 – 24 May.in AF2. Emily Johns. Lino etchings. 25 – 31 May in AF1. Emily Johns. Lino etchings. 26 – 31May in AF2. Writing workshop led by Ann Rouse in conjunction with Emily Johns. 1 – 14 Jun in AF1. Pip Carpenter in AF1. 1 – 14 Jun in AF2.  Eastbourne – based group. Fenya Sharkey, Liz Claridge. Exhibitions Elsewhere… Katherine Reekie in Love Gallery. Katherine ishaving an exhibition of paintings and drawings at the Love Cafe. Its a collection of still life works. I would like to invite all Forum members to the show. Eastbourne Festival. 23 Apr – 15 May. Several Forum are members taking part by opening their studios or exhibiting in galleries. These include Ian Francis, Jan Mirosola-Jones, Fenya Sharkey and Liz Claridge. Jan Mirosola-Jones and Cathryn Kemp are exhibiting at 4A, Baslow Road Fenya Sharkey and Liz Claridge exhibit at the Old Studio, 14, Bath Road, daily for three weeks. Additionally Fenya is facilitating a textile exhibition at the WRVS Centre on 3 May. Further info at tel: 07889895922 Ian Francis. Exhibiting in “The Plantation”, Carlisle Road, EASTBOURNE (near the Towner). Runs 21 Apr – 15 May. Ian adds that if you are in Eastbourne for the Arts Festival, drop in, have a cup of coffee and enjoy his abstract work. Members’ Announcements… Sophie Du Main posts:  Natural Remedies Ban Hits EU April 30, ACT  NOW! Many of you will have signed petitions on this in the past but now there is a legal action being taken against this EU directive. This is the time to all get behind the one campaign and make sure our views are heard. Please follow the links below and pass it on. April 30th, natural medicinal plant products (essentially anything other than the petro-chemically derived fare of multinational pharmaceutical companies) will be effectively banned in the EU.  The registration procedure costs that will be going into effect will be completely prohibitive.  If for no other reason than protesting the … nature of this effort effort (whether you’re aware of the long-term physiological damage of many big pharma preparations or not) go to this link and sign the petition. http://savenaturalhealth.eu Paula Ashby posts. East Sussex Contemporary Art Fair, Rye.  Call for artists and designer makers! We’re looking for a diverse range of art, design and craft for The East Sussex Contemporary Art Fair at The School Creative Centre, 24-26 June. The deadline for application is midnight  1 May, anyone can apply, for details follow the links on www.67contemporaryart.co.uk or contact Paula MacArthur at info@67contemporaryart.co.uk Mark Roberts posts. Forum and Activ8 member is exhibiting in London 20-22 May at the Impact Art Fair. Mark is showing four pictures. For further information see www.impact-art-air.org.uk 3,Torrens St, Islington EC1V 1NQ. Anna Casson posts :  I am a Life and portrait model. Tel; 7791794103 FILM…St Leonards Film Society. The society which aims to bring film culture to neighbourhoods. Thu 28 Apr.7 for 7.45 The Kids Are Alright (15).This is a film chosen for the group by a member, Kathryn C. “I chose this film because I’ve heard good things about it, and because it’s unusual to see lesbian lives depicted in mainstream cinema in a way which isn’t stereotyped or sensationalised.” SYNOPSIS Nic and Jules (Annette Bening and Julianne Moore) are married and share a cozy suburban Southern California home with their teenage children, Joni and Laser (Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson). As Joni prepares to leave for college, 15-year-old Laser presses her for a big favour. He wants Joni, now 18, to help him find their biological father. They make contact with “bio-Dad” Paul (Mark Ruffalo), an easy-going restauranteur. As Paul comes into the lives of the forthright four, an unexpected new chapter begins for them as family ties are defined, re-defined, and then re-re-defined. POETRY… The Poetry Group will next meet in the Forum on Sat 7 May at 4 pm. The focus of the readings will be “music”

 

 

Dates for your diary….  

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

 Mon 11 Apr. Buchanan Book Reading  2 – 4pm. See members announcements.

 

Thu 14 Apr. Hastings Humanists in AF2 @ 6.30. Guest Speaker – Andrew Colquhoun. “The Humanist Tradition in Counselling and Psychotherapy”

 

Thu 14.Apr. SLOS Film Soc, AF1 @ 7 for 7.45. Uncle Boomie . **2010 winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes. Synopsis under ‘Film’.

Fri 15 Apr. Two private views. Two exhibitions of photographic images. They promise to be imaginative, innovative and ‘cutting edge’. Hastings has done much to promote  photography as an art form. These two shows promise to enhance Hastings’ reputation.

Sat 16 Apr. March against the Cuts – see Members Announcements.

Sun 1 May @ 10-11am. Children’s Workshop. “Jack-in-the-Green” Woprkshop 

 

Stop Press…

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

Hand – in work Wednesday morning 27 April, unless by prior arrangement.

There will also be a Children’s Workshop led by Mary Dawson  (Rainbow Mary).

Details. Email rainbowsmary@phonecoop.coop or telephone 01424 852668

Michel Guille continues to offer French conversation on Thursday afternoons 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… 

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

Gallery Talk today, Sat 9 Apr – see “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.

 

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 .

Forthcoming Exhibitions…

14 – 26 Apr AF1. “An Anthology”.  

 

“An Anthology” presents the work of 14 photographers curated by Andrew Moran.

They are all members of the Photo hub group under the leadership of Grace Lau, as part of a collaborative initiative between the Photo hub group and the Media Enterprise Centre supported by Hastings Borough Council.

Following on from the successes of the Brighton Photo Fringe Hastings event in October 2010, this is the first of a series of photographic happenings in 2011 with a view to growing potential for the photo biennial 2012.

14 – 26 Apr in AF2. John Shanks and Michael Leale. “ A SENSE OF PLACE” 

About John Shanks. Born in Glasgow, arrived in Hastings after 35 years in London. John’s “…early passion for the theatre and the arts generally has continued with an increasing and wide range of works based on photographic images. Rather than ‘taking’ he is interested in ‘making’ images and the examples of work he will exhibit represent a spread of interests over time. This exhibition is a welcome return to work that has been collected and developed over a number of years. All images will be signed limited editions. 

About John Shanks. Born in Glasgow, arrived in Hastings after 35 years in London. John’s “…early passion for the theatre and the arts generally has continued with an increasing and wide range of works based on photographic images. Rather than ‘taking’ he is interested in ‘making’ images and the examples of work he will exhibit represent a spread of interests over time. This exhibition is a welcome return to work that has been collected and developed over a number of years. All images will be signed limited editions.

About John Shanks. Born in Glasgow, arrived in Hastings after 35 years in London. John’s “…early passion for the theatre and the arts generally has continued with an increasing and wide range of works based on photographic images. Rather than ‘taking’ he is interested in ‘making’ images and the examples of work he will exhibit represent a spread of interests over time. This exhibition is a welcome return to work that has been collected and developed over a number of years. All images will be signed limited editions. 

About Mike Leale. Born in Guernsey a long time ago. After leaving school and a few false starts I got myself a job on the local newspaper. Stayed a couple of years and thought I knew it all , so came to London to seek my fortune. Still searching.

Finished up with my own studio in Covent Garden where I worked for clients as diverse as Slazenger, New Zealand Lamb, Aristoc. Milk Marketing Board, Grattons ,Goodyear and Gus. Also shot many record sleeves for Pye Records, most notably for the Kinks and Sandie Shaw.

 About Mike’s images: “…..most of the images here were taken in between assignments in places like New York and Rio de Janeiro. As most of my work was still life , food, jewellery etc I find that my personal work, quite unconsciously, tends to follow the same rules of composition as for a still life.  I am also very attracted by pattern and colour in urban landscapes. The more recent series taken in Hastings’ amusement arcades show this very well.

My only criteria for taking a shot or rejecting it… does it interest me? does it make a good picture?  Those looking for a message will, Im afraid,  be disappointed.

All images are gicle prints on archival paper…” www.mikelealescanography.co.uk

 28 Apr – 3 May. In AF1 and  AF2 “Jack-in-the-Green.” Traditional Hastings May festival. Mixed media.

5 – 10 May. In AF1. “Prospect Studio”. Paintings by Maureen Connett, Dora Fandousi, Heather Hookey, Jen Painter, Jennie Stephens.

5 – 17 May in AF2.  “Art as expression” Paintings by Elsie May, Cynthia Strother Smith, Jo Messer.

12 – 24 May in AF1. Danny Mooney.  New paintings and sculpture.

19 – 24 May.in AF2. Emily Johns. Lino etchings.

25 – 31 May in AF1. Emily Johns. Lino etchings.

26 – 31May in AF2. Writing workshop led by Ann Rouse in conjunction with Emily Johns.

Exhibitions Elsewhere…

Love Gallery. I’m having an exhibition of paintings and drawings at the Love cafe. Its a collection of still life works. I would like to invite all memebers to the show.

Gill Gallery

http://www.martinpearceart.com

Ian David Baker.extended to early April —-”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…

Katherine Reekie posts. I’m having an exhibition of paintings and drawings at the Love cafe. It is a collection of still life works.
I would like to invite all memebers to the show.

 

Marilyn Edwards posts

Come to the Hastings March Against the Cuts on 16th April assemble Hastings Pier 12.30pm

There is nowhere it is more relevant – 44 per cent of the population of Hastings work in the public sector and most of our local businesses are small ones that depend on their spending power. Already there have been widespread redundancies in the voluntary sector as grants to the CAB and Hastings Voluntary Action have been slashed. If we don’t stand up for
Hastings it is likely to become a ghost town – the Isle of Dogs on sea.
 
We will be assembling from 12.30 at the Pier before marching to the town centre where we will have a rally with speakers. Please mobilise your friends, your family, your workmates, your contacts and everyone you know who might be interested. We took more than two hundred people to London – it will be disgraceful if we can’t  mobilise at least that many on our own doorstep.

Reggie Osborne posts.  I worked at the Arts Forum in the winter of 2009-10 doing video, photography, and helping members with their galleries on the Forum website and creating personal websites/blogs. The Forum, the artistic community, and the beautiful towns by the seaside made a very strong impression on me and I would love to return this summer to the area and be involved at HAF again. In addition to offering these same skills, I’ve thought to offer workshops in stop-motion and other types of animation and other skills – even dance! In order to come to the Hastings area, I am looking for a living arrangement where I could pay a small amount and barter the rest for lodging. If any one knows of a possible living situation for a few months, let me know by email – reggieo@fastmail.us.  Thanks and I hope to see you all soon, Reggie O

Paula Ashby posts. East Sussex Contemporary Art Fai, Rye.  Call for artists and designer makers!Were looking for a diverse range of art, design and craft for The East Sussex Contemporary Art Fair at The School Creative Centre, 24-26th June. The deadline for application is midnight on May 1st, anyone can apply, for details follow the links on www.67contemporaryart.co.uk or contact Paula MacArthur at info@67contemporaryart.co.uk

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. 

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; Ceramics
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. The society which aims to bring film culture to neighbourhoods.

Thu 14 Apr @7 for 7.30 Synopsis. Suffering from acute kidney failure, Uncle Boonmee has chosen to spend his final days surrounded by his loved ones in the countryside. Surprisingly, the ghost of his deceased wife appears to care for him, and his long lost son returns home in a non-human form. Contemplating the reasons for his illness, Boonmee treks through the jungle with his family to a mysterious hilltop cave – the birthplace of his first life.

POETRY…

 The Poetry Group will next meet in the Forum on Sat 7 May at 5 pm. The focus of the readings will be “music”. There is now a regular core attendance of some ten members reading and writing their own compostions 

 

 

****Exhibition Vacancy.

Bids for the vacant slot in AF2 – Wed afternoon 1 Jun – Wed morning 15 Jun are welcomed. Bids to the Forum addressed “For the Arts Committee” ****  

Dates for your diary….  

 Sat 16 Apr. March against the Cuts – see Members Announcements.

 Thu 21 Apr. Hastings Humanists in AF2 @ 6.30. Guest Speaker – Andrew Colquhoun. “The Humanist Tradition in Counselling and Psychotherapy” 

Wed 27 April. Jack / Jill-in-the-Green. Hand-in work. This is a members’show.

Fri 29 Apr afternoon. SLOS Seaside Strip Royal Wedding streert party. (See Stop Press)

Fri 29 Apr. 6.30 – 8.30. Private view for Jack-in-the-Green

 Sun 1 May @ 10-11am. Children’s Workshop. “Jack-in-the-Green” Workshop

By Mary Dawson.

 Sat 7 May @5 pm (Note change from 4 pm). Poetry Group focus on the theme “Music”. 

 Stop Press…

Royal Wedding. Shops and businesses on the St Leonards Seaside Strip are holding a street party on Friday 29 April. If you have not received a ‘Command’ to attend the Royal Wedding at Westminster Abbey, you are cordially invited to join in on Friday afternoon. Wear something ‘royal’ and have a bit of fun. Bring some food and drink and enjoy. In the evening, there is also the private view for “Jack and Jill-in-the-Green”. 

Jill (and Jack)-in-the-Green 28 April – 3 May.Children’s Workshop There will also be a Jack-in-the-green children’s workshop led by Mary Dawson  (Rainbow Mary). Email rainbowsmary@phonecoop.coop or telephone 01424 852668

 Club Français de 2 à 5.  Between Thu, 28 Apr – 9th Ju Michel Guille’s role will be taken on by some of the regular participants, including Fiona, Pierre and Chris.  Do come along and support them.

In the meantime there is plenty to do and discuss in Michel’s pre-Easter sessions.  And on the 21st April, on the occasion of the birthday of ‘Le Duc de Normandie’, there will be a Spring Quiz.

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 Exhibitions… 

 14 – 26 Apr AF1. “An Anthology”.

An Anthology” presents the work of 14 photographers curated by Andrew Moran. They are all members of the Photo hub group under the leadership of Grace Lau, as part of a collaborative initiative between the Photo hub group and the Media Enterprise Centre supported by Hastings Borough Council.

Following on from the successes of the Brighton Photo Fringe Hastings event in October 2010, this is the first of a series of photographic happenings in 2011 with a view to growing potential for the photo biennial 2012.

14 – 26 Apr in AF2. John Shanks and Michael Leale. “ A SENSE OF PLACE””

About John Shanks. Born in Glasgow, arrived in Hastings after 35 years in London. John’s “…early passion for the theatre and the arts generally has continued with an increasing and wide range of works based on photographic images. Rather than ‘taking’ he is interested in ‘making’ images and the examples of work he will exhibit represent a spread of interests over time. This exhibition is a welcome return to work that has been collected and developed over a number of years. All images will be signed limited editions.

About Mike Leale. Born in Guernsey a long time ago. After leaving school and a few false starts I got myself a job on the local newspaper. Stayed a couple of years and thought I knew it all , so came to London to seek my fortune. Still searching.

Finished up with my own studio in Covent Garden where I worked for clients as diverse as Slazenger, New Zealand Lamb, Aristoc. Milk Marketing Board, Grattons ,Goodyear and Gus. Also shot many record sleeves for Pye Records, most notably for the Kinks and Sandie Shaw.

 About Mike’s images: “…..most of the images here were taken in between assignments in places like New York and Rio de Janeiro. As most of my work was still life , food, jewellery etc I find that my personal work, quite unconsciously, tends to follow the same rules of composition as for a still life.  I am also very attracted by pattern and colour in urban landscapes. The more recent series taken in Hastings’ amusement arcades show this very well.

My only criteria for taking a shot or rejecting it… does it interest me? does it make a good picture?  Those looking for a message will, Im afraid,  be disappointed.

All images are gicle prints on archival paper…” www.mikelealescanography.co.uk

 Forthcoming Exhibitions…

 28 Apr – 3 May. In AF1 and  AF2 “Jack-in-the-Green.” Traditional Hastings May festival. Mixed media.

 5 – 10 May. In AF1. “Prospect Studio”. Paintings by Maureen Connett, Dora Fandousi, Heather Hookey, Jen Painter, Jennie Stephens.

 5 – 17 May in AF2.  “Art as expression” Paintings by Elsie May, Cynthia Strother Smith, Jo Messer.

 12 – 24 May in AF1. Danny Mooney.  New paintings and sculpture.

19 – 24 May.in AF2. Emily Johns. Lino etchings.

25 – 31 May in AF1. Emily Johns. Lino etchings.

26 – 31May in AF2. Writing workshop led by Ann Rouse in conjunction with Emily Johns.

`1 – 14 Jun in AF1. Pip Carpenter.

Exhibitions Elsewhere…

Katherine Reekie in Love Gallery. Katherine is having an exhibition of paintings and drawings at the Love Cafe. Its a collection of still life works.
I would like to invite all Forum members to the show.

Ian Francis. Exhibiting in “The Plantation”, Carlisle Road, EASTBOURNE (near the Towner). Runs 21 Apr – 15 May. Ian adds that if you are in Eastbourne for the Arts Festival, drop in, have a cup of coffee and enjoy his abstract work.

Gill Gallery

http://www.martinpearceart.com

Ian David Baker.extended to early April —-”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…

 Marilyn Edwards posts

Come to the Hastings March Against the Cuts on 16th April assemble Hastings Pier 12.30pm

There is nowhere it is more relevant – 44 per cent of the population of Hastings work in the public sector and most of our local businesses are small ones that depend on their spending power. Already there have been widespread redundancies in the voluntary sector as grants to the CAB and Hastings Voluntary Action have been slashed. If we don’t stand up for
Hastings it is likely to become a ghost town – the Isle of Dogs on sea.
 
We will be assembling from 12.30 at the Pier before marching to the town centre where we will have a rally with speakers. Please mobilise your friends, your family, your workmates, your contacts and everyone you know who might be interested. We took more than two hundred people to London – it will be disgraceful if we can’t  mobilise at least that many on our own doorstep.

Paula Ashby posts. East Sussex Contemporary Art Fair, Rye.  Call for artists and designer makers! We’re looking for a diverse range of art, design and craft for The East Sussex Contemporary Art Fair at The School Creative Centre, 24-26 June. The deadline for application is midnight  1 May, anyone can apply, for details follow the links on www.67contemporaryart.co.uk or contact Paula MacArthur at info@67contemporaryart.co.uk

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.

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

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 date is 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; Ceramics, Sun 10 Apr and  24 April. Cost is £120 inclusive all firings and materials plus refreshments. The classes are small with max 6 people. 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. The society which aims to bring film culture to neighbourhoods.

POETRY…

The Poetry Group will next meet in the Forum on Sat 7 May at 4 pm. The focus of the readings will be “music”

Review…

Alex Bratell reviews the two current photo erxhibitions

AN ANTHOLOGY  in AF1.  x

Photography in Hastings & St Leonards continues its ascent with a pair of worthwhile exhibitions currently showing in both galleries of Hastings Arts Forum until 26th April.

In AF1, “An Anthology” shows work by a dozen photographers, all participants on a recent course at the University of Brighton’s Media Enterprise Centre in Hastings led by Grace Lau. In AF2 “A Sense Of Place” brings together two friends and neighbours who at first glance share a similar disposition but whose concerns are, upon examination, distinct but parallel.

“An Anthology”, curated by Andrew Moran, pulls off the neat trick of making unity from a potentially baffling diversity. Petra Landers’ concrete geometries play against Lin Gregory’s ’slow photography’ seascapes, both making effective use of found and subtle colour. Charles Coussens’ abstracts of waste are political in intention and also beautiful, referring to Keith Arnatt’s 1980’s rubbish tip pictures though with tighter tones and less figuration. Rose Biela’s photographs of seaside shelters are fluent soliloquies on geometry and colour temperature whilst Nicole Zaaroura’s photographed paper installations examine evidence of absence using an aesthetic reminiscent of Francis Bruguiere’s inter-war abstractions.

Annette Barton’s extreme close ups of coastal rocks reveal poetic geologies and seem to exude, oddly, a sense of smell while Sue Barnes revels in the season’s botanics, inviting us to share her glee at this year’s new Spring growth. Michael Lank’s “Displaced” series of symbolist still lifes gives the nod to Max Ernst but with the textures of Joel Peter Witkin. Emma Bryant drily examines lost items in lush tones, tiny tragedies rescued into perfect little landscapes, delicate beside Barry Reid’s neon-caressed brutalism (London’s South Bank) which in turn proclaim certainty beside Julia Humphrys’ “Anatomy of Fear” disquieting for its down on the ground point of view. Lucy Phillips’ “You Are Here” documents a seemingly grim South Coast 1930’s housing estate with a tender eye, stopping to extract finesse where thousands would simply pass on by.

A SENSE OF PLACE   in AF2.

In the exhibition “A Sense Of Place” both John Shanks and Mike Leale show vistas, vignettes and scenes, sparsely populated and brimming with implications. Both photographers play with shape in similar ways, in the proportion of the image perimeters and in the arrangement of space within those frames.

John Shanks presents interiors and exteriors; restaurants, museums, transport hubs, a conference centre. These are as stage sets, deceptively neutral arenas for our own projections to play in, but with an eeriness that comes from kinetic skies and viewpoints that take you closer, or leave you farther away, than you really think you want to be. Mike Leale’s concerns overlap nicely, but his photographs are somehow built differently, the interaction of colour and form giving hints of a contained abstraction. The exhibition works beautifully as a unit, the differences between the two photographers seeming slight at first but profound upon inspection.

The production standards of both shows are high and in both technique is in the service of intent to good effect. Across the two galleries film and digital origination are freely interspersed but the printing is digital throughout. This printing technology has come of age and is now usually the most viable option making traditional craft printing techniques ever more exotic. “An Anthology” is a frameless show, the work floating free of the wall or mounted onto board or aluminium. “A Sense of Place” plays on its collaborative premise by using simple, traditional black frames and light matts throughout. Both treatments are pleasingly invisible, leaving only content to be considered.

Alex Brattell  alex@photohastings.org