Nocton Art Group - Winter 2008

In January 2000 a small group of local people responded to an Ad placed in the Post Office. Basically it said anyone who would like to form an Art Group should meet at 1 Wrays Yard to discuss the prospect. About a dozen people came and NAG was born. We initially decided to meet in our kitchen on a Tuesday afternoon and evening, allowing those folk who were working an opportunity to come in the evening. It wasn't long before we had to transfer to the Village Hall and there has been a good core of about 20 people meeting regularly ever since. (We now meet only on a Tuesday afternoon).

The original intention was for a group of like-minded people to be able to encourage each other, sharing skills and experience on a workshop situation. This does go on but it soon became evident that some basic input on 'how-to-do-it' was really needed. An exploration of media and techniques slowly followed. Handouts and projects which explained and explored some of the basics gradually emerged.

But let me tell you about Polly. One evening in the week following the decision to form the group there was a knock on my door. When I opened it I was confronted with a 12 year old young lady clutching a small folder in her hand. She said "I wonder if I could join the Art Club?" She explained that she had some drawings, offering to show me what she had done (" If they are good enough"). Well, to be frank, I was astonished at the maturity of the pencil drawings which she had brought to show me. So, Polly became the youngest member of the group. She did very well at 'O' level and is now completing a degree course in Sheffield - on a totally unrelated area!

Some of the group who came to those first sessions are still coming. But, like most groups, some people have come to learn a little while others have been for the companionship or to help them over a difficult period in their lives. Some have come to learn how to eg "paint in water-colour" but most have stayed because whatever we do they are being offered an insight into Art in a wider context. I must say its a great delight sharing in their thrill of discovery and achievement. Over the years we have all learned something , even if its how to have a laugh at ourselves when things go "Blot".

What has been good for me is to see how people's work has matured. It is great to see what people can achieve given the encouragement and support. But, I have to say I am not content to do "flowers" in water colours year in and year out. To me that would be like going to Grimsby for your holidays every year! No, I want to do new things, explore life and, I hope, our group reflects something of that.

My thanks to Odile for her support and to everyone who has persevered with us through my eccentricities and teaching style.
PS - my apologies to anyone who comes from, lives or loves Grimsby - especially as a holiday resort!