One of the island’s oldest art societies are marking a landmark anniversary in their history during its annual summer exhibition.
The Mannin Art Group are celebrating their 70th anniversary, and have included a display of paintings, created by past members, to help recognise the work that has been created in the time the society has been in existence.
The Mannin Art Group’s annual open summer exhibition opened this week, at St Paul’s Hall, Ramsey, and features many original works of art from more than 100 members of the art society, as well as pieces from non-members.
Among the artists included in the collection are the noted island painters Peter Lloyd Davis, Nancy Corkish and David Byrne.
President of the Mannin Art Group Daphne MacOwan, believes the exhibition is a fitting way to celebrate their milestone anniversary.
’We are very excited about this year’s exhibition, as we believe that, by reaching our 70th year, that makes us the oldest art group on the island,’ said Daphne.
’We will be celebrating as a group, and we hope that people will come along and enjoy the art work. There are some magnificent pieces here, and they are well worth coming view.
’We have a pretty full coverage of paintings on display here. There are a lot of landscapes, which a lot of our members like to do, as there is a lot of inspiration to paint landscapes on the island.
’We also have a lot of floral art, and seascapes, maritime and boats. Still life pictures too, and a lot of animal portraits too.
’Pam Jacobsen, also from the Mannin Art Group, said that one of the celebratory parts of the exhibition was a special ’memory lane’ display, featuring the work of previous members of the group.
’We have invited artists who have been associated with us from way back, to show some of their work,’ said Pam
’We also have paintings from some artists who are sadly no longer with us, but relations, or people who bought their paintings have kindly loaned them to us.
’We also have a picture from Ann Heath, who is 102, and was a very well known local artist in her heyday.
’Unfortunately she doesn’t paint any more, but we have one of her old paintings here, and she is still a member of the society today.’
The society was formed in 1949 by Sir Sidney Wadsworth, a retired judge, and his artist wife, who invited their circle of friends to paint scenes from their home on the banks of the Sulby River.
Among the first members of the fledgling art society were the painters William Hoggatt , John Nicholson and John Aitken.
The society has remained based in Ramsey, and its first exhibitions were held in the halls and classrooms of Albert Road School, before later moving to St Paul’s Hall, where the art group now meet regularly.
’I have been a member since 1989, for 30 years,’ said Daphne.
’The lovely thing about this group is that we help each other, and if someone is stuck, we can all help out and try to help one another.
’Another nice thing is that during the winter, we hold workshops, from marbling, carving, felt making, collage, all sorts of different styles and techniques, and people learn so many new things. It is a wonderful society to be part of.
’In the summer, we have a programme where the artists go out all over the island and paint from different locations.
’The people are lovely, and it is a wonderful group to be part of.’
In a change to this year’s exhibition, the winning paintings will be chosen by public vote, rather than by being chosen by a judging panel.
The viewing public are invited to choose a picture and cast their votes throughout the run of the exhibition, with the winning painting being announced after Saturday, August 3, when the display comes to an end.
The award for the best miniature in show is still chosen by a judging panel, and this year has been won by Hilary Summerscales, with her depiction of a summer scene.
by Mike Wade
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