Amateur artists' showcase matches record-breaking year

Southwick Art Club's annual exhibition went extremely well, with total sales almost exactly matching last year's record-breaking total.
Malcolm Rogers Memorial Shield winner Clifford Feeney with some of his paintings. Picture: Derek Martin DM17525574aMalcolm Rogers Memorial Shield winner Clifford Feeney with some of his paintings. Picture: Derek Martin DM17525574a
Malcolm Rogers Memorial Shield winner Clifford Feeney with some of his paintings. Picture: Derek Martin DM17525574a

The club is based at Southwick Community Centre and the exhibition was held in the Deall Room from May 26 to 29.

Amanda Severn said: “Following a recent influx of new members, we were able to show work from 26 different local artists, many of them exhibiting for the very first time.

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“Twenty of our exhibitors sold either paintings or original art cards or both, and are thrilled to be able to share their art with others.”

Peter Scott, joint winner of the Audrey Benson Memorial Cup, holding one of his paintings at Southwick Art Group's annual exhibition. Photo by Derek Martin DM17525565aPeter Scott, joint winner of the Audrey Benson Memorial Cup, holding one of his paintings at Southwick Art Group's annual exhibition. Photo by Derek Martin DM17525565a
Peter Scott, joint winner of the Audrey Benson Memorial Cup, holding one of his paintings at Southwick Art Group's annual exhibition. Photo by Derek Martin DM17525565a

More than 100 paintings and other artwork were displayed, with most on sale at modest prices and 20 per cent of the proceeds going to the club to cover the running costs of the exhibition and the weekly sessions.

All of the artists come from the area and many of the pieces were inspired by places and people in their surroundings.

Each year, the club awards the Malcolm Rogers Memorial Shield to the artist whose painting is the most popular in the exhibition. The runaway winner this year was Clifford Feeney, who will be presented with the shield in a few weeks’ time.

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The Audrey Benson Memorial Cup goes to the artist of a favourite picture chosen by fellow club members and this year’s joint recipients were Tony Parsley and Peter Scott.

Sarah Billings with some of her paintings. Picture: Derek Martin DM17525569aSarah Billings with some of her paintings. Picture: Derek Martin DM17525569a
Sarah Billings with some of her paintings. Picture: Derek Martin DM17525569a

The event gives members of the public the opportunity to find out more about the club and pick up, or commission, a beautiful and unique piece of art.

President Robin Durant said: “We are a small, friendly club of amateur artists and annually we like to show our work to the public over a few days.”

The club meets every Wednesday, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, in the Glebe Room at Southwick Community Centre.