Dates For Your Diary…

Fri 23 Sept.   Private view in AF1, “Mothers, Memories and Consequences”. Mixed media installations from three women artists: Elizabeth Lewis, Rachel Lever and Felicia Cronin.
                        Private View in AF2,  ”Where are we now?”. Paintings by Kathleen Dawson.
24/25 Sept.   New paintings by Jeremy Bear – see below:  Exhibitions Elsewhere.
Fri 30 Sept/ Sat 1 Oct. Call for entries: New English Art Club at the Mall Galleries 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5BD. Tel: 020 7930 6844. Info and download entry forms on: info@mallgalleries.org.uk.
Sat 1 Oct.     11.45am. Mayor of Hastings unveils the Forum’s memorial to Sid Beynon on the lower promenade near Azur.
Sat 8 Oct.     10.30am. Special General Meeting in AF1 to disband the Hastings Arts Forum and transfer its assets to Hastings Arts Forum Ltd.
Thur13 Oct.  St Leonards Film Soc: details to be announced. 

Stop  Press…

Call for Artists  The Forum’s Exhibitions Committee is planning a series of ‘Themed’ exhibitions to be shown during the second half of 2012 from July to December. 
The first two themes are firstly: Self Portraits; and secondly: Surrealism. 
The Forum is looking for a variety of styles and media including drawing, painting, printmaking, collage etc. For these two exhibitions, however, we are not looking for sculpture (although this could be a theme later on), nor photography, video art or multi media installations. These will be selling exhibitions. They will be individually curated and the submissions selected by a team of experts at the beginning of 2012: the date to be announced. 
Would artists wishing to participate in either one or both exhibitions, please let the Forum know by 30 Nov 2011.
Tel: 01424 201636 or email info@hastingsartsforum.co.uk  marked “For The Exhibitions Committee”.
 
Robin Thompson. It was great to see Robin and Margaret, members from Sissinghurst,  visit the Forum last Sunday to view the Projectart Works exhibition on which Robin had previously helped. Robin is recovering from treatment for bowel cancer and is now pronounced clear. He is looking forward to picking up from where he left off earlier this year.

Current Exhibitions 

“Mothers, Memories and Consequences ” in AF1. 22 Sept – 4 Oct. Three women members: Elisabeth Lewis, Felicia Cronin and Rachel Lever muse on consumer sustainability and mother-daughter relationships in three intriguing art installations.

“Where are we?”  – Kathleen Dawson  is a painter producing small mixed media collage and paint works inspiring larger paintings in oil or acrylic.
 ”My work incorporates imagery drawn from maps, photographs, aerial views, magazines and newspapers. I might try to depict a sense of the history and future of a location, or use images from the media to provoke a critique of our culture. I cultivate a sense of ambiguity; I don’t have an answer, just a sense that life is difficult and complex but with a lot to offer.” 

 

Forthcoming Exhibitions
Configurations 20 – 25 Oct. Three SoCo artists at the Arts Forum: Juanita Homan, Rose Miller and Nicki Urling Clark.  Private view will be  21 Oct. 6:30 – 8:30pm.

Exhibitions Elsewhere

Sarah Flack is holding an open studio on 24 & 25 Sept from 11am – 4pm at 824 The Ridge, St. Leonards; you can view more of her artwork exhibited at her neighbouring pub: The Harrow Inn. More info onhttp://sjflack.wordpress.com or contact her on sj-flack-art@talk21.com.

Romney Marsh Churches. Each year village churches in Romney Marsh host art exhibitions. Five churches are open this week-end between 1 – 5pm. Churches participating are Lydd, Ivychurch, Newchurch, Burwash and Old Romney. For further info see http://www.artinromneymarsh.org.uk/

Fenya Sharkey (who curated the ‘Drawing’ Exhibition in AF2 in June this year has been working in Care Homes in Eastbourne  introducing various art disciplines to residents with advanced stages of dementia. . Eastbourne Central Library is now showing examples of this work. IT runs until 10 October. Fenya is running a two-day educational programme next week-end.

Jeff Stancliffe has an exhibition at the Dragon Bar in George Street, running till the 4 Oct. Jeff, who works mainly in acrylics, has previously exhibited in London, but this is his first exhibition in Hastings.

Members Announcements 
 
Anna Keiller posts:
If you would like to get your hands dirty and play with clay, then you are most welcome to join one of my workshops in Dudley Road. Find out what goodies are planned for this autumn on: http://annakeiller.com/workshops/workshop-diary/. Alternatively, if there are 4-5 of you who would like to come as a group, either as a one-off or to pursue a project, then please contact me and I’ll be happy to help. Tel: 07722171818  or email www.annakeiller.com.

 Photo Hub posts:
Stuart Griffiths is giving a presentation on his forthcoming new book: The Myth of the Airbourne Warrior on Tues 25 October, 6pm – 8pm at Hastings Arts Forum.
Entry: free for Phg members/£3 for non-members. Wine will be available.
Please email: gl@gracelau.plus.com by  18 Oct to reserve your place.
 
Stuart Griffiths began taking photographs whilst serving as a British paratrooper in Northern Ireland in the late 1980s.  During his service, Stuart’s photographs often evoked the fear and frustration felt by the young soldiers; and he started to question the validity of the British Army’s position: “The pride of being a Paratrooper after time turned to self-questioning, this turned to self-loathing.”
 
The eventual outcome is an intensely personal account of the trauma and personal conflict he experienced, powerfully expressed in his photographs and his newly published book: The Myth of the Airborne Warrior.http://www.photoworks.org.uk/programme/publications/the-myth-of-the-airborne-warrior. His work on injured veterans ‘Closer‘ won the 2010 Brighton Photo Fringe Open; and in the same year, Stuart was awarded a grant by the National Media Museum. The documentary film: ‘Isolation‘ about his personal work, was released in 2009 at the Edinburgh film festival.  He continues to work on self-initiated photography projects and for national and international titles. Book early on gl@gracelau.plus.com. 

Sarah Flack posts:
Drawing & Painting classes start from the week beginning 26 Sept, at Rye, Hastings, Bexhill & Eastbourne. http://sjflack.wordpress.com or contact her on sj-flack-art@talk21.com

Caroline Macey posts.
I have organised a Saturday life drawing session at the Ore centre, Old London rd. 
We have two female models posing, for two hours, starting at midday on Sat 1st Oct.
We have free parking and a lovely cafe. All abilities welcome.
Booking is essential and it keeps costs down. The price is only £10 if you book.£14 on the day.
For more details and any queries please email cmacey@beamingmail.com.

Film…

St Leonards Film Soc will meet again on Thurs 29 Sept. Films start 7.45pm (doors open at 7pm)
£2.50 members / £3.50 non-members. Details as follows:

“Young Hearts Run Free” (12A) + Skype Q&A with director.
Continuing our support of good, new British Cinema whenever possible, we’re showing this first feature from Northumbrian, Andy Mark Simpson. A coming-of-age drama of romance and teenage angst set against the social and political backdrop of a violent miners’ strike, ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ is an uplifting and soulful mix of 1970s style, warm-hearted romance and gritty social drama.

IIN October two films will celebrate Black History

Thu 13 October. THE FIRST GRADER
 
Directed by Justin Chadwick (THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL/BLEAK HOUSE) from a script by Emmy-winner Ann Peacock (THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, NIGHTS IN RODANTHE, KIT KITTRIDGE), THE FIRST GRADER is a heart warming and inspiring true story of one man’s fight for what he believes is his right in order to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education.
 
SYNOPSIS
In a small, remote mountain top primary school in the Kenyan bush, hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education newly promised by the Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school.  He is Maruge (Oliver Litondo), an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties, who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life.  He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long denied – even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six-year-olds.
 
Moved by his passionate plea, head teacherJane Obinchu (Naomie Harris), supports his struggle to gain admission and together they face fierce opposition from parents and officials who don’t want to waste a precious school place on such an old man.
Full of vitality and humour, the film explores the remarkable relationships Maruge builds with his classmates some eighty years his junior. Through Maruge’s journey, we are taken back to the shocking untold story of British colonial rule 50 years earlier where Maruge fought for the freedom of his country, eventually ending up in the extreme and harsh conditions of the British detention camps. 

Poetry…

The next meeting of the Poetry Group will be Sat 1 Oct at 5pm. Wendy Oxlade has suggested that we write some lines based on a Bob Dylan song. So if anything suggests itself to you – a-blowin’ in the wind- along our recently storm-lashed sea-front…or at home whilst – a-layin’ across that big brass bed – do jot it down and bring it along. 

Rose Miller has written the following lines inspired by her forthcoming exhibition, Configurations, which she is holding jointly with Juanita Homan and  Nickki Urling Clark in the Arts Forum on 20 Oct.

Image making.
Take the elements, the starting point, the subject.
Worry it, work it, find the fit,
Or pull it apart.
Obliterate.
Then slowly restart.
Tracking traces in a new configuration.
It’s getting closer now, emerging,
Form fitting expression,
Relentless disclosure.
Present. 

“Mothers, Memories and Consequences ” in AF1. 22 Sept – 4 Oct. Three women members: Elisabeth Lewis, Felicia Cronin and Rachel Lever muse on consumer sustainability and mother-daughter relationships in three intriguing art installations.

“Where are we?”  – Kathleen Dawson  is a painter producing small mixed media collage and paint works inspiring larger paintings in oil or acrylic.
 ”My work incorporates imagery drawn from maps, photographs, aerial views, magazines and newspapers. I might try to depict a sense of the history and future of a location, or use images from the media to provoke a critique of our culture. I cultivate a sense of ambiguity; I don’t have an answer, just a sense that life is difficult and complex but with a lot to offer.”

 

Forthcoming Exhibitions
Configurations 20 – 25 Oct. Three SoCo artists at the Arts Forum: Juanita Homan, Rose Miller and Nicki Urling Clark.  Private view will be  21 Oct. 6:30 – 8:30pm.

Exhibitions Elsewhere

Sarah Flack is holding an open studio on 24 & 25 Sept from 11am – 4pm at 824 The Ridge, St. Leonards; you can view more of her artwork exhibited at her neighbouring pub: The Harrow Inn. More info onhttp://sjflack.wordpress.com or contact her on sj-flack-art@talk21.com.

Romney Marsh Churches. Each year village churches in Romney Marsh host art exhibitions. Five churches are open this week-end between 1 – 5pm. Churches participating are Lydd, Ivychurch, Newchurch, Burwash and Old Romney. For further info see http://www.artinromneymarsh.org.uk/

Fenya Sharkey (who curated the ‘Drawing’ Exhibition in AF2 in June this year has been working in Care Homes in Eastbourne  introducing various art disciplines to residents with advanced stages of dementia. . Eastbourne Central Library is now showing examples of this work. IT runs until 10 October. Fenya is running a two-day educational programme next week-end.

Jeff Stancliffe has an exhibition at the Dragon Bar in George Street, running till the 4 Oct. Jeff, who works mainly in acrylics, has previously exhibited in London, but this is his first exhibition in Hastings.

Members Announcements 
 
Anna Keiller posts:
If you would like to get your hands dirty and play with clay, then you are most welcome to join one of my workshops in Dudley Road. Find out what goodies are planned for this autumn on: http://annakeiller.com/workshops/workshop-diary/. Alternatively, if there are 4-5 of you who would like to come as a group, either as a one-off or to pursue a project, then please contact me and I’ll be happy to help. Tel: 07722171818  or email www.annakeiller.com.

 Photo Hub posts:
Stuart Griffiths is giving a presentation on his forthcoming new book: The Myth of the Airbourne Warrior on Tues 25 October, 6pm – 8pm at Hastings Arts Forum.
Entry: free for Phg members/£3 for non-members. Wine will be available.
Please email: gl@gracelau.plus.com by  18 Oct to reserve your place.
 
Stuart Griffiths began taking photographs whilst serving as a British paratrooper in Northern Ireland in the late 1980s.  During his service, Stuart’s photographs often evoked the fear and frustration felt by the young soldiers; and he started to question the validity of the British Army’s position: “The pride of being a Paratrooper after time turned to self-questioning, this turned to self-loathing.”
 
The eventual outcome is an intensely personal account of the trauma and personal conflict he experienced, powerfully expressed in his photographs and his newly published book: The Myth of the Airborne Warrior.http://www.photoworks.org.uk/programme/publications/the-myth-of-the-airborne-warrior. His work on injured veterans ‘Closer‘ won the 2010 Brighton Photo Fringe Open; and in the same year, Stuart was awarded a grant by the National Media Museum. The documentary film: ‘Isolation‘ about his personal work, was released in 2009 at the Edinburgh film festival.  He continues to work on self-initiated photography projects and for national and international titles. Book early on gl@gracelau.plus.com. 

Sarah Flack posts:
Drawing & Painting classes start from the week beginning 26 Sept, at Rye, Hastings, Bexhill & Eastbourne. http://sjflack.wordpress.com or contact her on sj-flack-art@talk21.com

Caroline Macey posts.
I have organised a Saturday life drawing session at the Ore centre, Old London rd. 
We have two female models posing, for two hours, starting at midday on Sat 1st Oct.
We have free parking and a lovely cafe. All abilities welcome.
Booking is essential and it keeps costs down. The price is only £10 if you book.£14 on the day.
For more details and any queries please email cmacey@beamingmail.com.

Film…

St Leonards Film Soc will meet again on Thurs 29 Sept. Films start 7.45pm (doors open at 7pm)
£2.50 members / £3.50 non-members. Details as follows:

“Young Hearts Run Free” (12A) + Skype Q&A with director.
Continuing our support of good, new British Cinema whenever possible, we’re showing this first feature from Northumbrian, Andy Mark Simpson. A coming-of-age drama of romance and teenage angst set against the social and political backdrop of a violent miners’ strike, ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ is an uplifting and soulful mix of 1970s style, warm-hearted romance and gritty social drama.

IIN October two films will celebrate Black History

Thu 13 October. THE FIRST GRADER
 
Directed by Justin Chadwick (THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL/BLEAK HOUSE) from a script by Emmy-winner Ann Peacock (THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, NIGHTS IN RODANTHE, KIT KITTRIDGE), THE FIRST GRADER is a heart warming and inspiring true story of one man’s fight for what he believes is his right in order to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education.
 
SYNOPSIS
In a small, remote mountain top primary school in the Kenyan bush, hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education newly promised by the Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school.  He is Maruge (Oliver Litondo), an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties, who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life.  He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long denied – even if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six-year-olds.
 
Moved by his passionate plea, head teacherJane Obinchu (Naomie Harris), supports his struggle to gain admission and together they face fierce opposition from parents and officials who don’t want to waste a precious school place on such an old man.
Full of vitality and humour, the film explores the remarkable relationships Maruge builds with his classmates some eighty years his junior. Through Maruge’s journey, we are taken back to the shocking untold story of British colonial rule 50 years earlier where Maruge fought for the freedom of his country, eventually ending up in the extreme and harsh conditions of the British detention camps. 

Poetry…

The next meeting of the Poetry Group will be Sat 1 Oct at 5pm. Wendy Oxlade has suggested that we write some lines based on a Bob Dylan song. So if anything suggests itself to you – a-blowin’ in the wind- along our recently storm-lashed sea-front…or at home whilst – a-layin’ across that big brass bed – do jot it down and bring it along. 

Rose Miller has written the following lines inspired by her forthcoming exhibition, Configurations, which she is holding jointly with Juanita Homan and  Nickki Urling Clark in the Arts Forum on 20 Oct.

Image making.
Take the elements, the starting point, the subject.
Worry it, work it, find the fit,
Or pull it apart.
Obliterate.
Then slowly restart.
Tracking traces in a new configuration.
It’s getting closer now, emerging,
Form fitting expression,
Relentless disclosure.
Present.

 

 

Dates For Your Diary…

Fri 16 Sep.  Gallery Event. 6.30 – 8.30pm: to coincide with the Projectart Works exhibition, artist-filmmaker  Andrew Kötting will conduct an event exploring the work in the exhibition in collaboration with the artists and Kate Adams.
Fri 23 Sep. Private view in AF1, “Mothers, Memories and Consequences”. Mixed media from three women artists: Elizabeth Lewis, Rachel Lever and Felicia Cronin.
                     Private View in AF2,  ”Where are we now?”. Paintings by Kathleen Dawson.
24 / 25 Sep. New paintings by Jeremy Bear – see  ”Exhibitions Elsewhere”
Sat 1 Oct.  11.45am. Mayor of Hastings unveils the Forum’s memorial to Sid Beynon.
Sat 8 Oct.  10.30am. Special General Meeting in AF1 to disband the Hastings Arts Forum and transfer its assets to Hastings Arts Forum Ltd. 

Stop Press…

Special General Meeting. The SGM, set for Sat 8 Oct in the Forum needs your support. This is an important meeting  in the process of activating our charity status 

Volunteers.  John Shanks has agreed to organise the volunteers’ roster. The roster has been a ‘problem’ area for some time and the butt of many remarks. We hope that a fresh and single pair of hands, unencumbered by other Forum duties, may lead to more regular staffing in the Forum. It is understood that not all members can volunteer for a regular solo slot – though this is desirable from a Forum viewpoint.  

John, however,  is exploring the idea that two or three members group together to sponsor a Morning (11 – 2 ) or an Afternoon (2 – 4 ) slot and thereby guarantee coverage on a regular basis.  Without volunteers, the Forum can not exist, so if you have a mind to volunteer, please contact us – even if you have previously volunteered and not had an acknowledgement.

In the next few weeks, John will be ringing round or emailing those members who have indicated in the past a willingness to help.

John will also welcome a commitment from others. email : info@hastingsartsforum.co.uk and mark “For John Shanks”

Nigel Sales intends to run a week-end course for stone carvers in his new studio, near Hailsham. Transport and tools provided. Nigel has worked on the restoration of Henry VII Chapel, Westminster Abbey. See under Members Announcements.

Sid  Beynon Memorial.  The Mayor of Hastings has kindly agreed to unveil the Forum’s memorial to Sid Beynon on Saturday morning, 1 Oct at 11.45am. It is also planned to follow the opening with a children’s stone gathering and mosaic-making (weather dependent ). If you know any children between 6 –  12 years old who want to attend, please let us know beforehand. The mosaic is ready to go into the ground.

Mike Williams and Juliette Dodd worked with Jamie Stapely, who  created beach mosaics with Sid over the last 20 years. See pics of the mosaic being made on the website http://www.hastingsartsforum.co.uk/the-sid-beynon-memorial-mosaic/#more-4568 

Cosi fan Tutte. Under ‘Music’, we offer a review of ‘Cosi fan Tutte’ written by a professional critic.

Bob Dylan.. Can you write lines inspired by a Bob Dylan song? If so, see below under “Poetry”

Current Exhibitions…
Projectart Works presents “Heroes, Dreams and Visions”.  8 – 20 Sep in both galleries. This year’s exhibition will highlight exceptional new works created by individuals with severe neurological impairments. Projectart Works  aims to encourage those with severe learning disabilities to develop their artistic skills, and mentors them over an extended period towards mounting an exhibition which is the culmination of a year’s work.

This year, seven individuals have produced a significant and surprising body of work, their showcase revealing very distinct approaches developed through intensive studio practice alongside an artist mentor in Projectart Works’ pioneering ‘mentoring studios’.  

There will be an artist talk on Fri 16 Sept at 6.30pm; and to coincide with the exhibition, artist-filmmaker Andrew Kötting will explore Projectart Works’ radical approach to the professional development of artists with complex needs in conversation with Projectart Works director, Kate Adams. The works and an accompanying illustrated catalogue will be on sale at the galleries and online at www.projectartworks.org.  Forthcoming Exhibitions… “Mothers, Memories and Consequences ” in AF1. 22 Sep – 4 Oct. Three women members: Elisabeth Lewis, Felicia Cronin and Rachel Lever muse on mother-daughter relationships.         © Elizabeth Lewis.’                                                     Felicia Cronin                      © Rachel Lever    Grundschule Herdecke (3)’                                      Untitled Elisabeth Lewis writes: “In my little book I am telling remembered stories as a very young child in Germany, which I have often done before and when people have said to me, you should write them down. “It was during the days of the Second World War; I can date one of my earliest memories exactly from this circumstance. My mother, uncle and grandfather were going on a trip without me, when the postman arrived with an official letter for my uncle. He was called up by the army. England had declared war on Germany. It was September 1939. I was four years old. “I have been an admirer; have been very interested in the French artist Sophie Calle ever since I saw her exhibition at the Camden Arts Centre in Hampstead London.. I was particularly delighted at the sight of the glass cases displaying 10 years of birthday presents she had received from her friends. Celebrating birthdays, giving presents, even present wrapping has been an important part of my life since childhood. Some people think this is a sign of an inordinate desire to be loved, or worse a ruse for manipulating people. Well, some people will spoil the best of intentions. “The visual material accompanying the text is mainly based on photographs from two photo albums I inherited from my mother and the few artefacts that survived in my possession in spite of moving to another country.  I still have the little dress I wore in the picture with my cousins, when I must have been about four years old. The picture shown above is my grandmother’s Rauchverzehrer, the painting I did of painting I did of my classroom, when I was at my Primary School and the illustrated postcards from Opa, my grandfather.”  Felicia Cronin writes: “A Patchwork for life – to have or not to have, this is the question. “My photo images are allegorical, they represent a desire to evaluate what is happening to our ecology as we rush to find solutions to the key issues of global warming and an ever increasing population. “As we wake up to the condition of our world, where so often there is too much or too little and it costs that we transport ourselves, our food, our manufactured goods and our rubbish  around the world – the balance is slim.  We have the choice to nurture or to destroy by continuing to feed our insatiable hunger for resources. “It’s personal, it’s individual; it’s complex and it’s huge; and we may easily be deceived by what is ‘good for growth’ or what is ‘economically viable’.  It makes all the difference when each aspect of human activity has its consequences elsewhere. “Mark Twain said water was ‘worth fighting for’ and, even in this country, precious water is being diverted and becomes unavailable to the next person. “Optimism may flourish for our world if those people with real empirical knowledge and understanding are given the chance and the support to work together in seeking solutions.  And not only they but each one of us! “In the patchwork form, I want to reflect the interdependency of all the elements that make our world and determine our future such as climate, resources, technology agriculture, and last but not least, politics.”  Rachel Lever writes: “Anita and Rachel Lever – My mum Anita and I were often seen together as a double act at Hastings art shows, music gigs, walking the seafront and living it up at parties. And we both sporadically engaged in art ourselves. “Anita is no longer with us, having died in May. Her coffin was plastered with colourful abstract details from her own work. The original pieces were delicate drawings, which I had scanned, cropped and colour-saturated in 2005 to make a hypnotic and beautiful short video. “This exhibition shows all three versions: the video, the whole drawings, and the bright and brilliant details. On the evening of Tues 4 Oct the show will close with the first showing of my film of Anita’s life, times, and philosophy.” Kathleen Dawson  Exhibition in AF2. 22 Oct – 4 Oct. “Where are We?”  Kathleen is a painter producing small mixed media collage and paint works inspiring larger paintings in oil or acrylic. “My work is rooted in landscape, predominantly urban, and I try to capture a sense of the spirit of place. I draw on my previous experience as a systems developer specialising in map-based systems, also in my interest in geography and history. “My work incorporates imagery drawn from maps, photographs, aerial views, magazines and newspapers. I might try to depict a sense of the history and future of a location, or use images from the media to provoke a critique of our culture. I cultivate a sense of ambiguity; I don’t have an answer, just a sense that life is difficult and complex but with a lot to offer.”   Kathleen feels a kinship with the barely recognisable but clearly land-inspired work of artists such as Peter Lanyon and Per Kirkeby, but as a painter with an interest in the contemporary scene is by no means closed to wider influences. She escaped from the office a few years ago and has spent the intervening period studying, currently for an MA in Fine and Applied Art at Canterbury Christ Church University.This is her first solo show.    “11 Artists at the Hastings Arts Forum” 6 – 18 Oct 2011, curated by Clare Winchester. Clare, an RA exhibitor this year,  has assembled a group of 11 local artists from Kent, London and Sussex for a two week show in both galleries.   Kathleen Fox, Cameron Foye, Dani Humberstone, Alex Leadbeater, Corrine Lucas, John Napier, Gavin Roweth, Will Taylor, Alison Trask, Andrew Whamond and Clare Winchester are the artists. This exhibition is billed as “exciting and vibrant “. There are a number of sculptures and a range of paintings up to 6 ft x 5ft. Juanita Homan, Rose Miller and Nikki Urling Clark , 20 – 25 Oct,  in AF1. Photohub Group. 20Oct – 1 Nov in AF2. This is a Hastings photographic group keeping their skills honed for the Brighton Photo Biennial in Autumn 2012. Grace Lau and Andrew Moran lead this group through to high levels of achievement and are attracting some high praise. This show has a grant from the Arts Council and is billed as “An interim show….work in progress of members’ projects towards…. Autumn 2012″.    Ray McChrystal in AF1, 27 Oct – 1 Nov.  Exhibitions Elsewhere… Jeremy Bear is showing new paintings at the Chiddingly Festival, including some vibrant Indian street scenes inspried by recent travels to Kolkata, as well as many marine subjects in his Chiddingly Festival exhibition.  The exhibion is at The Room, Blackboys Inn, Blackboys, Lewes Road TN22 5LG  ( 01825 890283)   The exhibition is open on 24 and 25 Sept and 1 and 2 Oct –  11am to 5pm.  Battle Art Trail.From 17-25 Sep 2011  According to the ‘blurb’   “….Battle High Street and the adjoining twittens are playing host to more than 20 installations and artworks that together form a trail through the centre of Battle. The theme of the trail is The World Turned Upside Down, and hope that .. this series of site-specific works encourage you to take a fresh look at your surroundings, and  to see the ordinary in new light – and to smile! At the core of the trail are works by commissioned artists, including Annabel Tilley, Reem Acason, Patrick Burton, Louise Kenward, Svetlana K-Lie and Joanna Kerr. These are interspersed with projects by emerging artists from Sussex Coast College and local groups including the Hastings and Bexhill NAS Group, Battle Knit and Knatter Group and the Traveller Education Team, Children’s Services. Further info available from www.battlearts.co.uk or our page on Facebook.. Wendy Oxlade is exhibiting at the Gill Gallery during September.   Ian Francis is exhibiting at the Coast Cafe, Kings Road, St Leonards throughout September. Fiona Pienkowska is in The Old Post Office( Marina Seaside strip, opposite Azur). Exhibiting seaside pics.     Members Announcements…. Nigel Sales posts: I am starting up week-end courses for anyone with an interest in carving stone. Classes will be held in my workshop and will consist of a maximum of four students. Stone, tools. daily transportation.  between the Forum and my workshop, are provided. After moving to St Leonards , I have come out of retirement to resume work and offer my experience. This is a great opportunity to learn the basic technical and practical skills in this ancient and fascinating craft of direct stone carving. For further information contact me on  tel : 0740 735 7301 or  email : ns.stcarver@gmail.com Buchanan Book Group. Rose Miller posts: The theme is Irish Literature this year, and our discussions will include works by Anne Enright, Colm Toibin, Sebastian Barry, J.M. Synge and of course, James Joyce. Mon 19 Sep  we will be discussing Two Lives by William Trevor.  Buchanan Book Group is a discussion based book group led by tutor Rose Miller (M.Phil. literature). All welcome — the only requirement is an urge to read! The group meets once per month on Mondays: 2:00 – 4:00pm at a home in St. Leonards (contact rosemiller9@gmail.com for details). Still only £5 per session if you sign up for blocks of four sessions. Otherwise £6 for one off/occasional.   Wendy Oxlade posts : Drawing Classes at INSPIRE, 34 Robertson Street. Life drawing Thursdays 10.30 -12.45 @  £7. Also 1.30-3.45  @ £7.  Book both classes for £12.  Juliette Dodd posts: Mountfield Community Arts, specialist classes start on Tues 13 Sep.           Tuesdays:         Portraits with Juliette @ 10.00 – 12.30.                                        Watercolours with Barbara Valentine @ 1.00 – 3.30.           Wednesdays:   Mixed Media Wednesdays @ 10.00 – 12.30.                                       Miniatures   @ 1.00 – 3.30. Beginners welcome. For more info: juliettedodd@wordpress.com                                        or Tel: 01424 424010 (Juliette) 01424 838264 Erica Smith posts: The Hastings Creatives email list has just launched a web-based directory of local creatives. Make an entry or access members on:  http://hastingscreatives.co.uk/ Film… St Leonards Film Soc will meet again on Thurs 29 Sept. Films start 7.45pm (doors open at 7pm) £2.50 members / £3.50 non-members. Details as follows: “Young Hearts Run Free” (12A) + Skype Q&A with director Continuing our support of good, new British Cinema whenever possible we’re continuing to do so with this first feature from Northumbrian, Andy Mark Simpson. A coming-of-age drama of romance and teenage angst set against the social and political backdrop of a violent miners’ strike, ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ is an uplifting and soulful mix of 1970s style, warm-hearted romance and gritty social drama. Music… Elizabeth Forbes writes: “Jenny Miller’s interesting production of Così fan tutte, given by The Complete Singer at St Mary in the Castle on 11 Sept, was based on the production she directed for Longborough Festival Opera earlier this year, and used the sets and costumes from LFO. Mozart’s score was adapted for two violins, cello, clarinet, flute and piano, the last named played by the musical director Lesley Anne Sammons, who kept amazingly good ensemble. The six singers were students or young professionals who had covered their characters at Longborough. The enjoyable performance was sung in Italian, with the English translation beamed on the central bit of scenery: an excellent solution. “Da Ponte’s libretto for Così fan tutte, with its tale of two sisters who fall for each other’s (thinly disguised) boy friends, is cynical in the extreme, but Mozart’s music is full of genuine emotion. Jenny Miller illustrates this paradox clearly; the girls always believe, if only momentarily, the feelings they express, while one of the young men (the tenor) does too. But the other (the baritone) does not. At the end they go back to their original partners, but by no means is everyone happy. Jenny Miller ensures that the action, in no way as complicated on stage as the synopsis in the programme would suggest, is taken with the proper seriousness – the fact that much of the action is very amusing  makes that commitment all the more necessary.                                                                            Poetry…  The next meeting of the Poetry Group will be Sat 1 Oct at 5pm. Wendy Oxlade has suggested that we write some lines based on a Bob Dylan song. So if anything suggests itself to you – a-blowin’ in the wind- along our recently storm-lashed sea-front…do jot it down and bring it along.  As encouragement, Wendy offers the following lines, Title   ” Times they are a changin”’ ”             A man of constant sorrow           and the ugliest girl in the world           are love sick           and fixing to die             all they really wanna do           is be friends           as dogs run free           a hard rain falls              an idiot wind changes all            they marry **            have ten kids            and live happily ever after!             **the last 3 lines are not Bob Dylan songs and reflect the title.      Wendy

 

 

Dates For Your Diary… Fri 9 Sep. Private View for Projectart Works.                   6 – 8. Burton Gallery. Book-signing “Sidney Little” by Richard Pollard. Richard will also read excerpts.  See under “Exhibitions Elsewhere” Sat 10 Sep – 16 Oct.  Stade Stories Photography Competition. Winning entries will be on display in the Fishermen’s Museum, Blue Reef Aquarium and Shipwreck Museum.  Sun 11 Sep.  Cosi fan Tutte. 7.45pm in St Mary-in-the-Castle. Nationally acclaimed production – see under ‘Music’. Tickets @ £12.00. Fri 16 Sep.  Gallery Event. 6.30 – 8.30pm:to coincide with the Projectart Works exhibition, artist-filmmaker Andrew Kötting will conduct an event exploring the work in the exhibition in collaboration with the artists and Kate Adams. Fri 23 Sep. Private view in AF1, “Mothers, Memories and Consequences ” Mixed media form three women artists, Elizabeth Lewis, Rachel Lever and Felicia Cronin.                      Private View in AF2,  ”Where are we now? “. Paintings by Kathleen Dawson Sat 1 Oct @ 1145. Mayor of Hastings unveils the Forum’s memorial to Sid Beynon. Sat 8 Oct @ 1030.. Special General Meetying in AF1 to disband the Hastings Arts Forum and transfer its assets to Hastings Arts Forum Ltd.   Stop Press… Sid  Beynon Memorial.  The Mayor of Hastings has kindly agreed to unveil the Forum’s memorial to Sid Beynon on Saturday morning, 1 Oct at 1145. It is also planned to follow the opening with a children’s stone gathering and mosaic making (weather dependent ).If you know any children up to 12 years who want to attend, please let us know beforehand. The mosaic is almost read6 to go into the ground.  Mike Williams and Juliette Dodd worked with Jamie Stapely, who  created beach mosaics with Sid over the last 20 years. See pics of the mosaic being made on the website http://www.hastingsartsforum.co.uk/the-sid-beynon-memorial-mosaic/#more-4568                       Geoff Beaghen ( 3Jun 1924 – 24 Aug 2011)  We learn with regret  the death of Geoff Beaghen, who was a respected force in the cultural life of Hastings. Geoff was the first Chairman of Hastings Arts, (founded in the 1980s and one of several organisations which led to the formation of the Forum in 2003). Geoff was also a leading figure in the restoration of St Mary-in-the-Castle. The family will welcome those who wish to remember Geoff, at the funeral service on Wednesday 14 Sep at 2pm in Hastings Crematorium and / or  afterwards at East  Hastings Sea Angling Association, opposite the Lifeboat House  (TN34 3DW).     Coast Cafe, Kings Rd, St Leonards is looking for artists who would like to exhibit in their space. Contact Trudy and Stacy on (01424) 200988.   HastingsCreatives directory. If you are creative, you should make sure you are on trhis list. For further info, see the post by Erica Smith in Members Announcements.  Cosi fan Tutte. Sunday 11th September.  At 7.45pm, Mozart’s opera Cosi fan Tutte will be presented at St Mary in the Castle by The Complete Singer who brought a stunning Don Giovanni here last year. Roles are played by young music students – tomorrow’s divas and stars.  Sales.  Sales have held up well in AF1, with Mike Bayley’s ceramics selling strongly ( 24 of 37 items); and Brian Oxley selling seven paintings ( out of 26 plus ‘browser’ items) during the two  weeks. Like it or not, consensus of opinion is that the reason for this success lies in it being ‘good work at affordable prices’ from artists who have not exhibited in the district before. Six sales from the total of 31 sales were to customers invited by the artists who were visiting the Forum for the first time, but the rest were to Forum members / customers and the general public.  Wonky WI.  The inaugural meeting of St Leonards and Hastings’ new Women’s Institute  branch, held in AF 1 on Tue 6 Sep, was a roaring success. Despite it being a wild, wet, windy evening, 70 women braved ‘thunder, lightning or rain’  to join in lively debate and ‘when the hurlyburly was done’ – enjoyed delicious refreshments courtesy of Plenty Provisions and Post Office Tea Rooms. President Lesley Greening Lassoff was thrilled by the response and is looking for a new, larger venue. Join the buzz on Facebook.. Many new members were signed up. see also the WWI’s new website at www.wonkywomensinstitute.co.uk.      Current Exhibitions…        Projectart Works presents “Heroes, Dreams and Visions”.  8 – 20 Sep in both galleries. This year’s exhibition will highlight exceptional new works created by individuals with severe neurological impairments. Projectart Works aims to encourage those with severe learning disabilities to develop their artistic skills, and mentors them over an extended period towards mounting an exhibition which is the culmination of a year’s work. This year, seven individuals have produced a significant and surprising body of work, their showcase revealing very distinct approaches developed through intensive studio practice alongside an artist mentor in Projectart Works’ pioneering ‘mentoring studios’.                                                                                                  There will be an artist talk on Fri 16 Sept at 6.30pm; and to coincide with the exhibition, artist-filmmaker Andrew Kötting will explore Projectart Works’ radical approach to the professional development of artists with complex needs in conversation with Projectart Works director, Kate Adams. The works and an accompanying illustrated catalogue will be on sale at the galleries and online at www.projectartworks.org.  Forthcoming Exhibitions…   “Mothers, Memories and Consequences “.   in AF1. 22 Sep – 4 Oct. Three women members: Elizabeth Lewis, Felicia Cronin and Rachel Lever muse on mother-daughter relations. Kathleen Dawson in AF2. 22 Oct – 4 Oct. Exhibition: ‘Where are we?’  Kathleen is a painter producing small mixed media collage and paint works inspiring larger paintings in oil or acrylic. “My work is rooted in landscape, predominantly urban, and I try to capture a sense of the spirit of place. I draw on my previous experience as a systems developer specialising in map-based systems, also in my interest in geography and history. My work incorporates imagery drawn from maps, photographs, aerial views, magazines and newspapers. I might try to depict a sense of the history and future of a location, or use images from the media to provoke a critique of our culture. I cultivate a sense of ambiguity; I don’t have an answer, just a sense that life is difficult and complex but with a lot to offer”.  She feels a kinship with the barely recognisable but clearly land-inspired work of artists such as Peter Lanyon and Per Kirkeby, but as a painter with an interest in the contemporary scene is by no means closed to wider influences. Kathleen escaped from the office a few years ago and has spent the intervening period studying, currently for an MA in Fine and Applied Art at Canterbury Christ Church University.This is her first solo show.    “11 Artists at the Hastings Arts Forum“ 6 – 18 Oct 2011, curated by Clare Winchester. Clare, an RA exhibitor this year,  has assembled a group of 11 artists from Kent, London and Sussex for a two week show in both galleries.  Kathleen Fox. Cameron Foye,Dani Humberstone, Alex Leadbeater, Corrine Lucas, John Napier, Gavin Roweth, Will Taylor, Alison Trask, Andrew Whamond and Clare Winchester. This exhibition is billed as “exciting and vibrant “. There are a number of sculptures and a range of paintings up to 6 ft x 5ft.      Exhibitions Elswhere… Ian Francis  is exhibiting at the Coast Cafe, Kings Rd St Leonards  throughout September.     Burton Gallery. ‘Celebrating Concrete: A History of Marine Court and A Tribute to Sidney Little‘.    Sidney Little, Hastings Borough engineer in the 1930s,  ensured that Hastings was in the forefront of modern architecture. He used concrete, as did Marine Court, built 1937/38. Unfortunately, Little’s work was interrupted by the Second World War. Little’s existing projects include ‘Bottle Alley’ and the doubledecker promenade. There will be a book-signing on Fri 10 Sep from 6 – 8 by Richard Pollard, the author of a book on Little.  On 11 and12 Sep at 2pm, there will be a guided walk around the outside of Marine Court – meet outside the Azur, as part of English Heritage Open Day. Katherine Reekie  in The StablesTheatre and Art Gallery. “Attraction and Distraction“. 5 – 8 Sep. Careful of the opening hours !! 10.30am – 2pm and 6 – 8pm.     Fiona Pienkowska  in The Old Post Office( Marina Seaside strip, opposite Azur). Exhibiting seaside pics.      Coastal Currents. Forum members opening studios include       Artists Books and Workshops: Alex Leadbeater, Lynne Bingham, Helen Hunt, Cathryn Kemp, Sara Harris and Erica Smith.       Danny Mooney in McCarrons, Norman Road.       Georgina Chinnery, Geoff Parham in Mercatoria Business Centre, 100 -102 Norman Road.       Liz Blackborrow, 60 Norman Road.       Valerie May, 65 Norman Road.            Rhian Thomas ((Butlers Emporium, 70 George Street.       Ray McChrystal and Alex Leadbeater (in “Rarities” by the Pier Gates).       Mike Leale and John Shanks        Geoff Parham       Robin Holtom (Emily Johns, Pip Carpenter, Marie-Louise Miller, Victoria Kiff and Nigel Plumb       Shahriar Mazandi  using his eco-friendly home to exhibit on gangsters at 7, Cloudesley Rd       Lorna Hamilton-Brown , 47, Seddlescombe Rd South       Vanessa Fowler       Ian Francis, Coast Cafe, Kings Rd Showing at the Beach Huts in Bulverhtyhe and West St Leonards        Valerie Knapp in Hut #5       Claire fletcher and Peter Quinell, Hut #10       Andy Young, Hut #10       Denise Griffiths. Hut # 13       Barbara Williams in Hut #13 Showing at The Beacon        Kate Orr        Ben White        Mike Williams        Ruth Wurzburger Showing in Hastings and Eastwards        Ian David Baker         Zoom Groupat various locations        Annie Soudain       Tim Riddihough  Members Announcements…. Buchanan Book Group. Rose Miller posts:  The theme is Irish Literature this year, d our discussions will include works by Anne Enright, Colm Toibin, Sebastian Barry, J.M. Synge and of course, James Joyce. Mon 19 Sep 19th September, when we’ll be discussing Two Lives by William Trevor.     Buchanan Book Group is a discussion based book group led by tutor Rose Miller (M.Phil. literature). All welcome — the only requirement is an urge to read! We meet once per month on Mondays: 2:00 – 4:00pm at a home in St. Leonards (contactrosemiller9@gmail.com  for details). Still only £5 per session if you sign up for blocks of 4 sessions. Otherwise £6 for one off/occasional.     Floral Art.  Louise Crispin posts “Beautiful Plants by Skilful Artists”. 2011 Exhibition 10-17 Sep at KWT Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve  10 – 5 daily.  See a preview  at www.florum.co.uk    Juliette Dodd posts: Mountfield Community Arts, specialist classes start on Tues 13 Sep.            Tuesdays    Portraits with Juliette. Tuesdays @ 10.00 – 12.30.                                    Watercolours with Barbara Valentine @ 1.00 – 3.30.           Wednesdays  Mixed Media @ 10.00 – 12.30.                                     Miniatures   @ 1.00 – 3.30. Beginners welcome. For more info: juliettedodd@wordpress.com                                        or Tel: 01424 424010 (Juliette)                                                   01424 838264 Grace Lau posts:  Photo Hub Group is offering a series of six group mentoring sessions at the Stade Hall, commencing Monday Sept 5th, 7pm-9pm. Led by Martin Everett, photographer & tutor, working on his PhD, these sessions are 2-hrs fortnightly and the project aims to develop your photographic practice skills, supported by a peer group in critical discussion and presentation of your work in progress. Only £50, funding support from Arts Council. Enquiries email: manray41@yahoo.co.uk      Erica Smith posts: The Hastings Creatives email list has just launched a web-based directory of local creatives. Make an entry or access members on:  http://hastingscreatives.co.uk/   Sara Harris posts: Lots of reasons to potter around St Leonards this weekend… The ‘Musings’ project is based around a light-hearted little book I’ve written about life in St Leonards. I’ll be holding an Open Studio at 3 Stanhope Place, St Leonards from 11am with works by some of the ‘characters’ from the book. See if you can work out who’s who! Typographic glimpses of the book will be dotted around other Open Studios and venues in the area  – at The Muse in Mews Road, Studio VII in Shepherd Street, the Horse and Groom pub and South Lodge in St Leonards Gardens. Plus an audio installation in St Leonards Gardens, one of the Coastal Currents artist spotlights, whispers narrated passages from the book. See http://www.coastalcurrents.org.uk/whats-on/whispered-musings-by-sara-harris    Tricia Neve  has the following items for sale: 3kg bag of loose lavender; Rolls of pretty ribbon. Small frames. All low prices: Contact Tricia on 01424 200521     Anna Keiller posts :I’m running a series of ceramic workshops in the autumn featuring clay work, smoke firing and sprig mould making in plaster and I’m hoping the new projects may be of interest. This is the link http://annakeiller.com/workshops/workshop-diary/ And the workshops are:  Nicho workshop; Nichos are traditional Mexican shrines that were made to celebrate Saints and beloved family members. We are using the formula to make a modern version celebrating what is important to us such as Chickens, Love, Nature, Cats,and beloved family members. Dates: Sat 10 Sept 11-3pm; Sprig mould making and design, Saturday 17th Sept. 11-3pm Creating the Nicho using our sprig molds.Saturday  24 Sept 11-3pm decorating and glazing our Nicho. Each session cost £40 including all materials, firings, coffee, tea and cake. Bring a packed lunch! Group is small with max 6 people.   Film… St Leonards Film Soc  will start up again on Thursday 15 September. Films start 7.45pm (doors open at 7pm) £2.50 members / £3.50 non-members   Thurs 15 Sep in AF 1 The Economics Of Happiness + Q&A ‘The Economics of Happiness’ describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, an unholy alliance of governments and big business continues to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, people all over the world are resisting those policies, demanding a re-regulation of trade and finance—and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future. Communities are coming together to re-build more human scale, ecological economies based on a new paradigm – an economics of localization. The film provides not only inspiration, but practical solutions. Via Campesina for example, is the largest social movement in the world, with more than 400 million members. A chorus of voices from six continents include Vandana Shiva, Bill McKibben, David Korten, Samdhong Rinpoche, Helena Norberg-Hodge, Michael Shuman, Zac Goldsmith and Keibo Oiwa. They tell us that climate change and peak oil give us little choice: we need to localise, to bring the economy home. The good news is that as we move in this direction we will begin not only to heal the earth but also to restore our own sense of well-being. ‘The Economics of Happiness’ challenges us to restore our faith in humanity, challenges us to believe that it is possible to build a better world. Thurs 29 Sep Young Hearts Run Free (12A) + Skype Q&A with director  Continuing our support of good, new British Cinema whenever possible we’re continuing to do so with this first feature from Northumbrian, Andy Mark Simpson. A coming-of-age drama of romance and teenage angst set against the social and political backdrop of a violent miners’ strike, ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ is an uplifting and soulful mix of 1970s style, warm-hearted romance and gritty social drama.     Music… ‘Cosi fan Tutte‘  St Mary-in-the-Castle. Sun 11 Sep at 7.45pm. Poetry…  The next meeting of the Poetry Group will be Sat 1 Oct at 5pm. Open subject.