December 2013 Newsletter and AGM info and AgendaDear fellow members of The Rochester and West Kent Art Society,While we approach the holiday season, on my behalf and on behalf of the committee, I would like to wish you and your families a merry Christmas and a very happy new year, and would like to share with you the following news:

ProgrammeSpeakersSo far we had good demonstrations from Simon Savage, Bill Newton and Sue Williams, and a good presentation from Roy Sparks. Roy also provided a good critique for members’ work.Next speaker on 15th January is Ben Manchipp who will be giving a problem solving demoSurvey of members’ preferencesTo help us design a programme that is of interest to members and guests, a survey of members’ preference has been provided to all members. 10 members responded to the survey. The highest scores by respondents were for the following topics:Drawing/ painting scenery, Water colour painting techniques/demo, Oil painting techniques/demo, Drawing / painting animals, Acrylic painting techniques/demoWorkshopsPresently at the workshop each member has been working on his/her own subject. Do you have any suggestions/ideas as to what you would like the workshop to have to make it more interesting? Please send me your suggestions. As a trial, the workshop on 5th March will have a theme- Still life drawing/painting- this is optional.Summer outdoor paintingThe Summer programme was very successful and was well attended. Members who have not been able to join for 2013 are encouraged to do so for Summer 2014.

ExhibitionsSummer and Autumn 2013 exhibitions organised by Ron Wiseman had good participation from members and visitors. Ron has handed over his function as Hon. Exhibition Secretary to Dr Ann Palmer who will be organising future exhibitions.Future Exhibitions’

Spring Exhibition Fri 14 Mar 2014 - Thu 20 Mar 2014 Nucleus Arts- Chatham Summer Exhibition Mon 2 Jun- Sat 28 Jun Strood Library Autumn Exhibition- tentative3 Nov- 15 Dec Rochester Adult Centre

Please note that members who wish to participate in The Spring exhibition need to book and pay in advance. Separate documents will be distributed by Exhibitions Secretary

The Society’s Art CompetitionsCompetition for designing a logo for the Society 7 members participated in the competition. Andy Hudson who provided the above attractive logo was voted the winner.Competition for designing the Society’s Pop-Up banner (size 2000mmx850mm)This was initially planned for October 2013. The new date is 5th February 2014.All members are invited to join and to submit their designs by 5th February 2014.Competition on 19th March- the AGM dayMembers are encouraged to bring their favourite painting to enter into a competition voted on by members for choosing the most attractive painting.

Website and facebook page:website and a facebook page have all the Society’s activities and works as an archive record with photos. Website: http://rochesterandwestkentartsociety.org/ , Face book: www.facebook.com/RochesterAndWestKentArtSocietyContact: rochesterandwestkentartsociety@yahoo.com, Twitter also promotes the society’s activities to Kent community.

Committee

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New MembersThe Committee is in need of new members. New volunteers are needed. Those interested please get in touch.New TreasurerPat Taylor handed over her function as Hon Treasurer to Ken Newland effective September 2013New Exhibitions SecretaryRon Wiseman handed over his function as Exhibitions Secretary to Ann Palmer effective November 2013Hon. Secretary vacancyIn few months a vacancy for Hon Secretary will be arising. Present Secretary Keith Howe may be moving to another area out of Kent.Next Committee meeting: 26 February 2014CandidatesA list with the different committee functions will be available for members from today 4th December 2013 to sign themselves in for the posts, to nominate a candidate, and to second the nomination.

Membership SubscriptionKindly note that the Society’s operating year starts on 1st April and ends at 31st March of the following year. Membership for the year 2014-2015 needs to be paid at the AGM 19th March 2014. All payments should be handed to Ken Newland. Cheques to be made for: Rochester and West Kent Art Society.New members are always welcome. You are encouraged to introduce new members to the Society.

Schedule 2014-2015 Venue At Brook Theatre, Meeting Room 7:30 pm

YearDate Wednesday

Workshop or demo Description

2013 04-Dec WS Christmas party Winter holidays 2014 15-Jan D Ben Manchipp- Problem solving demo 05-Feb WS Workshop & pop up design competition 19-Feb D ART DVD 05-Mar WS Workshop (Still life painting)

19-Mar D Annual General Meeting & Art Competition

Start of new operational year

Annual General Meeting (AGM)- 19 th March 2014 In preparation for the AGM a list with the name of candidates for members of the committee will be made available for members starting 4th December.

AGM Agenda Chairperson’s intro and report Randa Exhibition secretary report Ron/Ann Treasurer’s report Pat T/Ken Any new proposals Randa Questions from the floor Randa Elections Randa Welcome of new committee members Randa Thanks to outgoing committee members Randa

After the AGM is over, an Art Competition to choose the most attractive painting will be open.

Hon. Chairperson, Randa Saab-Smith, 01634841008

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