President's Letter for July 2024

Committee meetings: come for the pizza; stay for a purpose.

We held a productive hybrid committee meeting on Thursday 18th July. Always looking for an improvement we had John Bishop’s 360° web camera to give the remote viewers sight of everyone present around the table (moderately successful but we will improve).

Discussion did centre around the recent Annual & Awards Exhibition - it was a success - artistically and organisationally - congratulations to all of the team.

Rob Hay assisted by Jude Bridges Tull photographing some work at AAE 2024

Our coordinator, Gillian Govan, did a sterling job of holding the team together. Well done and thank you. We now need a new coordinator - anyone considering stepping up to this or another contribution to our work could get in touch with any committee member (including the president) and we can guide you to a role that suits your capacity and skills. I am always up for a chat over coffee if you are within range.

I want to thank each team member for the work that was done… The myriad tasks are taken on efficiently and in good humour - and we need it as we face the uncertainties of real life. We had a couple of emergencies where sitters were replaced at short notice. And one occasion where a sculptor was on their own and another exhibitor stepped up as a chance visitor - well done!

Congratulations to the prize winners, to those who sold their work and to all of you who made this show a contribution to Melbourne’s cultural life.

Work is proceeding on the new website - it is a monster task and should be finished in time for AAE 2025.

In the meantime please watch for exhibition opportunities wherever you can find them. I know the entries for Art on the Hill are open now - enjoy! Looking forward to seeing you at an exhibition or over a pizza - and happy sculpting

Jenny Rickards