200 visitors welcomed as Tadley and Baughurst art club exhibition is great success

The atmosphere was buzzing as Tadley and Baughurst Art Club welcomed nearly 200 visitors to their art exhibition.

Almost 150 paintings were on display along with crafts and textiles, and there were lovely comments on the variety and high standard of work on display.

Visitors were requested to vote for various categories, including small paintings on the theme of the Platinum Jubilee and decorated pots.

After the votes were counted, the winner for the small paintings was Ruth Porter, with Mick Lowther as runner up.

The decorated pot winner was Jenny Kennish, with Sue Phillips second.

The main vote was for the ‘most popular exhibit’, with a trophy being awarded to the artist whose work came top.

Lesley Beasant’s “Cornish Beach Sculpture” and Barbara Feuillade Cole’s “Changing Skies” were tied as winner.

Club chairman Jenny Kennish said this was a particularly nice result as Ms Beasant is one of the club’s newer members, whereas Ms Cole was part of the group that founded the club more than 30 years ago.

They will share the trophy, each enjoying it for six months until the club’s next exhibition.

Ms Kennish said: “The variety of paintings and art work was stunning and we are so pleased that so many people clearly enjoyed seeing them and that they attracted several new members to join our friendly club.”

This year’s exhibition had a collection for the Disasters Emergency Committee in aid of the people of Ukraine, raising more than £80 – helped by Sue Phillips’ flags painted on reclaimed slate and Bobby Gotelee’s Simbrix Flag pins.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the club can contact tadleyandbaughurstartclub@gmail.com for further details or search for the group on Facebook.

The club is always pleased to welcome new members and anyone interested in seeing what the club does can visit it.