Art Talks and Trips
The groups usually focus on some of the major art exhibitions that are held in London or within reach of us here in Sherborne, with hopefully 2021-22 bringing some long awaited and excellent visual art shows. The meetings provide some background information about the artist and/or movement, setting the work in the context of its time. Sometimes a theme is chosen rather than a current exhibition – such as ‘Windows in Art’ or ‘Winter Landscapes; the Art of Snow and Ice’ and a talk is planned for 2021-22 on ‘Dance in Art.’ We also examine the career of a particular artist or a movement or even a specific collection. Using powerpoint projections we look at the ‘language’ of the works featured in the exhibitions or collection so that when we come to visit them our responses will be more informed. Visits to London, usually by train, are arranged; also outings to local galleries where appropriate. We have visited exhibitions in Woking, Chichester, Salisbury and Cardiff in the past few years. People may choose to visit exhibitions independently but given the current situation this is certainly not automatically expected. In 2019 we ventured further afield, with a 5-night study tour to Amsterdam which included The Hague and Haarlem. A planned tour to Madrid has been postponed from 2020 until the time feels safe.
There are two groups working in parallel, which affords some flexibility between groups. For 2021 – 2022 the Thursday pm group will meet on the second Thursday of the month in the main Digby Memorial Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, from 2.30 – 4.30. The Friday am group is divided into two separate groups as we are upstairs in the smaller ‘Studio Room’. This is the second and third Friday of the month respectively and is from 10.30 – 12.30.
‘Pop-up’ lectures are also available, to accommodate those who are interested but unable to join the regular group sessions – these are usually at 5pm and many people who have attended Pop Ups are eventually able to join the main group when a space becomes available if they wish to have the more regular commitment. To hear about these you need to contact Jenny Newman by e-mail.