©JohnS
For anyone who has an interest in shape, colour, form, movement, texture and the expression of it in a variety of mediums from paints and pencils to third dimension creativity using clay, pottery and wood, being part of an Art Society can be so inspirational.
Since it was founded in 1964, the Faringdon Art Society (FAS) has been welcoming people with a diverse range of artistic interests to be part of the Society. Members come from the Faringdon area and The Vale of White Horse, but new members are always welcome to join the group whether you are a leisure artist, a professional or someone who enjoys looking at works of art.
Annual membership is just £15 which represents great value for money as it provides members the chance to get involved in the Annual Exhibition, take part in workshops held throughout the year covering different styles and mediums, take part in the Artisan Craft Fair, promote up to 24 of your own art images on the online gallery and receive regular member’s newsletters. You can also attend monthly talks and demonstrations organised by Stanford in the Vale and Wantage Art Groups, who are closely affiliated to FAS.
©JillS
As there are several working artists amongst the FAS members, there is a weekly drop-in art morning on Wednesday mornings (term time only), held at Faringdon’s United Reform Church from 10am until 12 noon. This group brings together members and non-members and is a great way for you to learn more about art and the Society. You are very welcome to go along and ‘give it a go.’ To find out more contact Alan Kings (alan.marline@btinternet.com).
This year is a particularly exciting one, not only for the Faringdon Art Society members, but for anyone with a creative aptitude who would like to get involved in the Community Art Competition being held to celebrate the Society’s 60th anniversary. The theme is a celebration of ‘60’, and artwork will be expected to cover this theme in as wide and creative way as possible. Artwork media is not limited, but works are to be portrait orientation, not more than 500cm wide and hangable.
Works will be exhibited in Old Town Hall, Faringdon over the weekend of 14 and 15 September this year for the public to visit and cast their votes. There are two age categories: 16-19 years and 20 years or more. Both winners will receive a £60 GreatArt (greatart.co.uk) voucher and their work will be shown at the 2024 Annual Exhibition. One of these winners will be chosen for the front cover of the October 2024 issue of The Advertiser. FAS is hoping that the Community Art Competition will attract those who have not previously entered anything creative into a Faringdon based competition. Entry fee is £5 (non-refundable), with one entry per person. You can enter work online (faringdonartsociety.co.uk/art-competition-2024) from 1 June until 2 September.
©KrystynaD
The premier event each year for FAS is their Annual Exhibition held towards the end of October with works of art displayed in the spacious Corn Exchange, Market Square, Faringdon (25-27 October 2024). Last year’s Exhibition saw a record number of 50 individual artists exhibiting and the Society is hoping to match that this year, or even exceed those numbers. Last year the works of art on display were widely acclaimed by those who came to see them and like the Community Art Competition, the public vote will determine two winners: the most popular art piece and the most popular artist which rarely is the work created by the same artist. These winners are announced at the close of the Annual Exhibition.
There are seven categories to cover a wide spectrum of creative works, with each category having a winner and a highly commended artist, awarded by a guest judge. Categories include:
- Watercolour/Gouaches
- Oil/Acrylics
- Mixed Media/Collage
- Pastel/Drawing
- Other Techniques
- Sculpture
- Ceramics/Glasswork/Other 3D artworks
The Annual Exhibition brings together an eclectic mix of framed and unframed hanging artworks, unframed prints, 3D pieces and printed cards. Over the years, the Exhibition has earned the reputation for bringing together quality works from local artists, many of which are sold at very affordable prices. Entry is free to the public.
The year for FAS members concludes with the Artisan Craft Fair which offers makers and crafters the opportunity to display their work. The seasonal Christmas fair is held in conjunction with Festive Faringdon and the switching on of the tree lights in Market Square, which will be held at the end of November. The Fair offers fabulous shopping opportunities to find unusual and unique gifts whilst discovering the talented of local crafters who live locally.
To find out more about the Society please visit faringdonartsociety.co.uk
