Nocton Village Trail Association & Art Group Update Autumn 2010

Change is inevitable. The effects of our current national belt-tightening has affected one of our major projects since the new Government came to power.

For two years we have been working on a re-shaping of the space in front of our village hall. 17 people have helped to create a design based on local flora. The drawings eventually led to the creation of an intricate panel which was to be the basis for a new art work across the front of the grass area. We had just got to the final lap, creating a wooden panel which we could use as a pattern to make a metal cast, when our funding was withdrawn. The grand plan has been put on hold until the financial situation improves.

One of the original drawings produced by one of the villagers has suggested a way we can create a seat to fit on The Green. We are now exploring the possibility of how we can produce this.

So, we are still active, but, there has not been much to show for our work this past 18 months. Let us hope that we can remedy this in the coming year.

At 1.00 pm on Tuesday, 7 September, the Art Group will begin its 11th year. We began as a village art group in February 2000 but very quickly people from the area came to experience the project-based work we have done. Yes, we have had sessions on teaching techniques and all aspects of composition and design, in almost all the media available, but, we have also worked with clay, done woodcarving, photography and lino-cutting. After all, art is a creative process. It is an adventure expressing oneself through exploration of the world we live in.

So, if you feel like a change or if you feel tempted to step out into the unknown, want to learn or develop new skills, develop or pick up some gifting you have not used for a while, perhaps you would like to join us.

Cliff Baxendale