Dear Members,

Our EASTER EXHIBITION this year was kindly opened by Sir Miles Walker accompanied by his wife, Lady Walker. It was the society’s first attempt for a long time at organising the Preview which I believe on the night was very successful and enjoyed by all those who attended. The twelve saxophonists were certainly a talking point and a number of people commented on how good the food was this year.

The changes that we had made to the screen set up created additional walking space that was further improved since we used 2 less screens as we had some 50 less items to exhibit. Overall attendance of 1,330 this year was very poor compared with 2,200 in 2010 and we believe that there are a number of reasons contributing to this, including:

Many people were off the Island attending the Maundy Service at Westminster Abbey; The weather was particularly fine and warm and thus encouraged people to amuse themselves out doors; and We were no longer permitted to erect banners on the colonnade railings so there was no place near the arcade for impact advertising to potential customers on the sea side of the promenade.

Sales were also down on 2010, which itself was not a good year. However the financial climate collapsed then and has not yet recovered so galleries and individual artists are still finding it difficult to turn Art into Cash!

The raffle was once again very well supported and I would like to thank Michele Tramontana for kindly donating his painting this year.

The SAYLE GALLERY are holding their Summer Exhibition between 17th June and 10th July this year. This is open to all the island’s artists and I have enclosed full details for your information.

Stuart Houghton has indicated that he intends to stand down as Director and MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY at the AGM in November. If you would like to help the society by taking on this role, please contact a member of the committee.

CROSSROADS CARING FOR CARERS are looking for local artists to donate pencil drawings, paintings and pottery, to be exhibited and auctioned November-December 2011. There will be the capacity to display 60-70 pictures comfortably.

Local budding and established artists are invited to donate a piece of work to be exhibited and included in a silent auction in the weeks before Christmas. The artist and Crossroads will receive a percentage of the profit as agreed upon by both parties prior to the event.

Crossroads provides respite care for Carers and support services for people with a care need including a special needs nursery and outreach support in mainstream nurseries, disability employment agency, home care, young carers project and holiday scheme for school aged children with severe disabilities that are unable to access youth clubs.

If you are interested, please contact Alexandra Wilson (Fundraising Events Co-ordinator) by email at awilson@crossroadsiom.org or telephone 673103.

Details of our Summer Programme of MONDAY AFTERNOON VENUES are now available on the website. Members should ring Margaret Oates on 676119 if you need any information or if the weather is inclement. Usual meeting time 1.00 to 4.00pm, unless otherwise stated.

Kind regards, Jackie Kelly (Hon Sec)