From the President

A moth finds a resting place on

Allan Goedecke’s sculpture at

Herring Island. Images of all the

works can be seen on our website.

One twelfth of the year has passed already but with much activity. Herring Island has been a great success not just with sales but with the number of visitors drawn to this great exhibition. The quality of work has been outstanding and appreciated by all visitors. The exhibition is a showcase of who we are as artists – the diversity, the passion, the skill and the perception of art and life.

(The) Greatest value of having people around us is not what we get from them but the better person we become because of them. That is the power of Association. –Vincent Menezes

Who are we? And how are we seen by the art world of gallery owners, connoisseurs and the people who visit our exhibitions? We attract a very wide range of members from full timers, professionals, amateurs and beginners. Most did not come to sculpture on the direct lineal path from art school – we bring experience and perception from disciplines as varied as architecture, medicine, engineering, industrial design, building trades or teaching. We could be seen as amateurs who have had no formal training but enjoy creating in 3D – but we are so much more in our range of experience.

Is the Association a stepping stone for sculptors to be recognised and move on? Do we offer more than just exhibitions? What do we want to achieve in the future? Are we happy to be what we are today?

We would like more members with new ideas and inspirations. We need to work for ourselves and be known for what we achieve and what we offer our members. We have the basics of exhibitions, newsletters and website but we offer so much more. Friendship, comradery, experience, opportunity and support. While looking through some old newsletters it was noted in March 1981 that attendance at meetings etc. was poor and that the viability of the association was at risk. But here we are 38 years later still going strong. We must be doing something right thanks to the input from members and the ever evolving committee. It is thanks to all of you.

It is up to us all to make 2019 a memorable year. We’ve made a good start.

Gillian Govan (and Jenny Rickards)