Impressions Newsletter
June 2009
Greetings and welcome to this wintery newsletter. With Lewis due to return to the job in about a week, we are looking forward to having the extra hands and skills on-board again. I know he will have collected lots of life-time memories of special places and special people to look back on.
Arts Council Nelson Impressions Regional Art AwardsHave you planned to enter the Arts Council Nelson Impressions Regional Art Awards this year? All the details and entry form are now on our website (www.impressionsnelson.co.nz) and can be downloaded. (Entry forms are also available in-store.) We are looking forward to continued growth in interest in the awards as we have witnessed a pleasing development in the visual arts sector of the region over the last few years. For any artist who does not have a sufficiently large body of work to exhibit independently, it represents an opportunity to have works selected for inclusion in the Awards exhibition. Success in any category is a very worthwhile goal as it adds depth to your art CV if you are seeking to sell your artwork.
2008 Supreme Winner –“Josephine’s Profile” by Nikki Huizinga
The Awards have been re-structured this year to keep them fresh and challenging. The painting sections have been separated from the photography section so there will be no Supreme or Supreme Runner–Up Award. Instead, there are two painting sections only and the winner and runner-up in each of the painting sections win a much bigger prize. The People’s Choice however, will be selected from all entries, both painting and photographic.When the 2009 Awards are over, we would love to receive your feedback. We value all levels of contribution and each idea is carefully considered in our Post Awards Evaluation Meeting held with the major sponsors and Arts Council Nelson representation. As with all good art, we intend to keep the Awards evolving – just as the Arts Community itself is evolving.
The Impressions Art Club
The Impressions Art Club is still growing steadily. We welcome any arts customer to apply to join, to take advantage of the special offers and discounts available, as well as the periodic Members’ evenings when we bring in a talented artist to share their skills and experience with you. Details of the Club can be viewed on our website (www.impressionsnelson.co.nz). We’re often asked how much does it cost to join. The answer is “nothing”. There are only advantages and no costs or obligations to membership. So why not complete an application to join when you are next in-store and take advantage of the savings and benefits on offer?
Impressions Art Club May Members’ Special
Save 20% on all Museum Stretched Canvas in stock.
These canvases are made from only the best materials giving you true gallery quality. They are stretched by hand in New Zealand without cutting the canvas. The corners have been tailored for a neat finish. The generous canvas allowance makes it very simple to re-stretch your painting if you choose to do so. The professional stretcher bar system is made in New Zealand and features slot and tenon joints. Once the canvas has been stretched, wedges can be inserted into the corners to further tighten the canvas if required.
Museum canvases are double primed with an acrylic primer ready for you to paint on. A comment that I have had made to me about these canvases is how the difference in quality to the economy canvases is like the difference between good watercolour paper and newsprint. Another observation was how much easier the paint is to apply, and how much less paint is needed! Again, the true value of a product is not always obvious in the ticket price. Feel free to discuss these issues with us concerning the differences in quality and value between various ranges and products to make a well-informed decision about which products are best for your circumstances.
Hint
Reasons for Sizing and Priming Your Canvas
· To prevent deterioration of the canvas
· The painting will last longer
· Paint absorbs into canvas
· Gives greater control of ground and primer
Before you start painting on a ready-sized canvas, it is advisable to clean the canvas surface with spirits, to remove any grease which may have been deposited during manufacture and packing of the canvas. This will assist the paint to key into the gesso finish better.
Impressions Art Club Members Evening
All Impressions Art Club Members and Applicants are invited to our Members Evening in-store on Wednesday 10th June.
The details are: -
5.30- 6.00 pm Complimentary Refreshments available
6.00 – 6.30pm Featured Artist Jim Harris
6.30-7.00pm Special buying deals available
Our featured artist is illustrator Jim Harris. Jim is best known for his whimsical and detailed depictions of imaginary characters, animals and people. His creativity and skill is magical – don’t miss meeting this talented artist. For more information and to view a selection of his works, go to his website www.jimharrisillustrator.com
Art Workshop
The Art of Change – Transform your art; Transform yourself.
This one-day art and creativity workshop will be led by world-class tutors. Discover some of the most valuable secrets of art and put them to use in your own life. 9.30am – 4.30pm Saturday13 June, Age Concern Hall, 67 Trafalgar St, Nelson. Session costs $50 for the day (Subsidies for CSC card holders).For more details go to www.tlc.ac.nz and to book a place phone 0800 ART POWER. (Organised by The Learning Connexion, International School of Art and Creativity.)
Exhibitions
Coastal Artists at the Refinery Artspace, 3 Halifax St, Nelson until 13 June. Darryl Robertson, Lesley Jacka Robertson, Ann & Bob Phillips, Graham Snook, Graeme Stradling, Lisa Chandler, David Stones, Steve Fullmer, Jane Smith, Marion Towns and Darryl Frost combine for a group exhibition.
“Animal Form”, an exhibition of painting and sculture by Jo Tyson and D. Walsh at Reflections Art Gallery, WOW Museum until 22 June.
A group of local artists have joined forces to display their art in the shop at the Pak ‘n Save entrance to the Richmond Mall. Do pop in and say hello – even better treat yourself to some original art.
“Creatures” by Jim MacIlwee at Art @ 203 until 13th June. A cheerful concoction of colour, patterns, shapes and of course creatures.
Drawing Classes Art @ 203 are hosting drawing classes tutored by Larisse Hall on Mondays from 6-7.30pm. Session cost is $10 (Pay as you go). Registrations for each class are required. Ph 03 548 3961 or call in to 203 Trafalgar St, Nelson.
Closing Thought
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see”. Edgar Degas
Let’s challenge ourselves to make others see what we want them to see in our artwork.
Have a good month!
Glenys and the Team