July Newsletter

The Show is over – On with the show

Actually it all finished over a week ago, but we’re still reeling from the amazing response we had to our contribution to the Harwich Festival of the Arts. Now it’s back to business as usual and onwards, delivering workshops and courses to all you creative people.

We would like to thank all of you who paid us a visit during our Summer Exhibition and thank you again for all your positive comments and enthusiasm.

A Brief Roundup
We were delighted to see so many people, local and from further afield, who came along to browse the exhibition and we were really pleased to sell over 30 pieces of original artwork and prints. It was also a great opportunity for people to see the studios and chat about the workshops and courses we run.
The other huge success was the creation of Beached Willow, an eleven metre willow woven whale right here on Harwich beach. A  MASSIVE THANK YOU to Deb Hart for turning my idea into reality and thanks to the sponsors: Essex County Council and Harwich Town Council for funding the work and The Alma Inn and Dining Rooms for funding all the materials. I think this stunning art installation certainly stole the show at HF17 and will hopefully last for quite a while before the elements consume it.
I also have to mention Bonnie’s Pop Up Tea Shop which again surpassed all expectations. Our, recently returned from university, daughter took full responsibility for organising and running this venture – including all the baking – and what a lot of happy customers she had “the best lemon drizzle cake ever”.
News of News
We were really pleased to get Harwich and the festival mentioned on ITV Anglia News. The 6.00 pm slot featured the full piece and a slightly shortened version even made it onto the main 10.00 pm news.
If you would like to view the piece follow this link www.itv.com/news/anglia
Other Events
Well after all that excitement the exhibition has been semi dismantled and the space returned to studios and the dining room – indeed last Saturday saw a full house of 14 students producing watercolour animals with the superb Jake Winkle. They enjoyed themselves so much that five places have already been booked for March 2018; it’s not even on the website yet! The textile studio is also back in full swing, Sunday saw a lovely group of ladies completing delightful applique cushions with me.
So now the inevitable reminder of  What’s Coming Up. We have a pretty busy schedule for you and a few spaces to fill.
Very short notice I know, but if your stuck for something to do tomorrow it’s not too late to get yourself on Learn Watercolour with Susan Boddy. We sold three out of four of Susan’s original watercolour paintings during the exhibition and I’m not surprised; they looked fantastic framed and hung. She really is a very talented and versatile artist, with a career in teaching as well – what more would you want from a tutor?
Just give us a call if you would like to join us. 
More Info
We also have 3 spaces available with
Lois Cordelia on Saturday 15th July
Fast and Furious Acrylics or Speed Painting
Put simply this is aimed at anyone who wants to experiment with paint and have a go at 2 or 3 subjects. Because it’s acrylic the paint dries quickly allowing for over painting and a bold approach – mistakes will happen, but you will definitely get some great results.
Absolute Beginners Very Welcome    More Info
What more can I say;
 Chris Forsey RI  Saturday 22nd July
Landscape, Drama and Light – Water Based and Mixed Media
Check out his website www.chrisforsey.com/

More Info

And now for something completely different
Deb Hart (of Willow Whale fame)
Saturday 29th July –  Willow Garden Obelisks
Make something beautiful, practical and very sturdy for your garden, in our walled garden. (too many gardens)
Two course homemade lunch, refreshments and cream tea included. Can you think of a better way to spend a summer’s day?
More Info
Amanda Walker has a short Summer School.
This Beginners Dressmaking is very flexible; you can come for all three days and take on a more complicated project of your choice or just come to one or two days – you can even bring along something you have already started and get the help you need to finish it.
Mon 21st, Tues 22nd and Wed 23rd August
More Info
Roger Dellar ROI RI PS returns
Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th August
for a Plein Air Weekend
This is a great opportunity to paint alongside this highly accomplished and prolific Plein Air artist.
More Info
There are two further opportunities to see a scaled down version of our Summer Exhibition – scaled down because the sold pieces have gone to their new owners – Sunday 16th July (Secret Gardens) and Sunday 30th July (Sea Festival and Life Boat Day) these are great local events and we will have our doors open. The Willow Whale, we hope, will be around all summer and beyond; it’s a sight to behold!
That’s about it for this time. We look forward to seeing you all soon, until then keep on creating and make the most of the weather.

Bev Caleno

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© 2024 Old Bank Studios. All rights reserved.