December news
2024 Highlights
2024 has been a whirlwind for BArtS, full of exciting changes that have largely been well-received. Not only have we expanded our offerings of classes, workshops, and studio groups, we are also chuffed to be able to report that our new-look communications and social media presence - getting the good word out to people about what’s on offer up at BArtS - has more than doubled our membership. There are now more than 300 BArtSisans, enjoying the opportunities we offer to make art together. We’ll be building on this momentum in 2025 by improving our printmaking facilities, installing the Sculpture Garden and reintroducing photography as a creative discipline. Workshops will also continue to explore a broader variety of art forms. If there’s something you’d like to see included on our growing menu of offerings, please let us know—we’d love your input.
A whopping heartfelt thank-you to our volunteers
Over the course of this year, many members have generously stepped up to help with building maintenance, the library upgrade, grounds-keeping, exhibitions, catering, and the day-to-day running of the centre. We are deeply grateful for your support. And hey, we want to encourage even more members to pitch in next year. BArtS belongs to all of us, sharing the load makes it lighter for everyone and when you volunteer, you get that lovely hot-chocolately feeling that comes with making a contribution to your community. You know the one.
Exhibitions
We hosted three fantastic exhibitions this year. The traditional Members’ Easter Exhibition and the BArtS October Open were cracking shows. Both were well-attended and resulted in many sales. Our third show was inspired by the Archibald Prize and held around the same time - our inaugural Bartchibalds exhibition. This was a light-hearted and often whimsical portrait exhibition, which included portraits of animals as well as people. Free from the usual constraints of the larger exhibitions, the ‘Barchibalds’ offered many people the opprtunity to exhibit for the first time. We look forward to seeing what members will create next year for these annual exhibiting shows.
June Open Day
Our June Open Day brought the community together to explore what BArtS has to offer. It was a great opportunity for Studio Groups to connect, tutors to showcase their talents, and new members to sign up.
Members’ Drinks
This new social initiative was a wine-and-cheese-fuelled hit, fostering new friendships and sparking creative ideas. More events like this are planned for 2025. Cheers to all that, we say.
Members enjoying a social evening at our Member's Drinks
Classes + workshops
BArtS held 20 workshops this year - which is three times the number we were able to offer in 2023! - with over 70% participation across all workshops. We’ve had really good feedback from both participants and tutors, largely appreciating the impressive creative energy that went into and came out of these experiences. BArtS turned over an estimated more than $25K, the majority of which went into paying local tutors (how fab that we are supporting our great artist-teachers!) The estimated remaining $9K will go into BArtS for our NFP to use for the benefits of you, our members.
Christmas Handmade Market
Held on December 1, our first ever Christmas Market was a ding-dong-merrily highlight. Talented BArtS members showcased and sold ceramics, paintings, prints, jewellery, fibre art, and festive decorations. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and most stallholders are keen to do it all again in 2025. Alongside the market stalls, there were some fabulous fundraising efforts. Between the sausage sizzle, coffee and cakes, the Create-Your-Own-Wall-Hanging activity and Art Book Sale, our generous volunteers raised over $1,000. Our inaugural Christmas Handmade Market.
Participants enjoying the fundraising activity 'Create-Your-Own-Ceramic-Wall-Hanging' in the clay shed
Grounds Updates
The kiln shed is complete, and our kilns Woody and Skutty are now comfortably positioned side by side, just in time for the growing interest in clay arts. * The fence installation is nearly complete, pending final negotiations with BMCC. * The mural of Govetts Leap on the container has added a wonderful energy to the grounds. Painted by local muralist and artist Jo Breneger, the artwork was a collaboration between Jo and Julie Paterson. It’s a beauty.
2024 AGM Recap
The 2024 committee was re-elected unconditionally. There is room on the Committee for more members, so please contact us on info@blackeathart.com (mailto:info@blackeathart.com) if you are interested. Members approved changes to the constitution, including: Memberships can now span a full 12 months from the date of joining or renewal. Committee members may now facilitate workshops and/or provide services for remuneration, with prior notice to the membership.
Conflict of interest declaration
Committee members Jules Booth and Julie Paterson will facilitate groups and workshops in the 1st term of 2025. They will be paid the same fee as all other workshop convenors.
Support-Our-Garden-Makeover Raffle
We are very excited to be getting the gardens looking great and able to be used by members for sculpture exhibitions, social events and wotnot. To fund this initiative we are launching a raffle. Contact us at info@blackheathart.com to pick up some books of raffle tickets to sell to supporters. Here’s the fab prizes, donated by our generous local supporters (and one by BArtS!)
First prize: A Blaq restaurant voucher valued at $150
Second prize: A BArtS workshop/class of the winner’s choice
Third prize: A classic BArtS-curated gourmet hamper
Fourth Prize: A Side-B Vinyl Bar voucher valued at $50
Fifth prize: A Victory Café voucher valued at $50
