September 2025 Newsletter

Dear Artist,

I hope you enjoyed the long summer we had! Now September is making a triumphant entrance, reminding us it’s time to wrap up! This month we’re bringing you plenty of updates from what’s been happening to what’s coming next. You won’t want to miss this newsletter!

WHAT HAPPENED IN AUGUST

This year’s Summer Exhibition saw two major changes: a new venue and a switch to an online entry system. The venue, St John's Community Centre in Merrow, provided a smart and welcoming space for our members' wonderful artwork.

A huge thank you to everyone who supported and contributed to such a successful event! Exhibition

Prizes & Awards

Mayor’s Prize (funded by Heritage Independent Mortgage Advisors) – Rebekah Jackson-Stevens, The Light and the Trees

Guildford Financial Award – Maggie Butler, Rubens Cube

Guildford Arts Award – Christine Taherian, Winter

George Weil Award (Mixed Media) – Fran Bunting, As Time Goes By

Guildford Institute Award – Alison Graham, Coastal Crescendo

President’s Award – Russell Ferranti-Donavella, Iron Horse

Mary Wilkie Trophy – Liz Adams, Golden Water

Visitors’ Favourite – Chris Webb, The Guildford Spiral

PLEIN AIR SESSION

The Thursday Group recently enjoyed a

lovely plein air day at Farncombe

Boathouse, organised by Monica Curley.

Twelve members spent the day painting,

sketching, and chatting, and even shared

lunch together. If you’d like to take part

in activities like this, why not consider

joining the Thursday Club?

WHAT’S COMING

POP UP at HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

It’s that time again, Pop-Up at Holy Trinity Church! �� Happening on Heritage Day, we’re expecting lots of visitors (and hopefully lots of sales!)

�� Holy Trinity Church, Guildford High Street

�� Saturday 13th September 2025

�� 9.30am – 5.30/6.00pm

Please email Therese at gas.pop.up@gmail.com registrations will close on 05/09 evening, so we can anticipate numbers and allocate spaces (first come, first served).

1. WHAT TO BRING

Crafts, cards, paintings, portfolio pieces, and framed pictures.

Professionally presented work (cellophane covers for browsers, quality frames if framed). Take all packaging (bubble wrap, envelopes, etc.) away after drop-off.

Label all artwork clearly with:

Title

Artist’s name

Contact email (and phone if you wish)

Price

Note if the piece is a print.

All work must be handmade by the artist.

Display:

Each exhibitor will have one row of chairs (8 chairs). A few tables will also be available for crafts.

Bring your own browser if you have one (2 will be available for shared use).

NEWSLETTER

WHAT’S COMING

POP UP at HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

2. ENTRY COST

£14 per exhibitor (goes to the church, minus GAS publicity expenses). Payment options:

Cash (exact change) or card on the day

Preferably bank transfer beforehand (Lloyds: 30-93-74 | Acc no: 03885619 | Ref: Surname Initials PUP925)

No commission on sales.

3. DROP-OFF

⏰ 8.00–9.30am

Small parking area in front of the church (for drop-off only).

Free street parking in Guildford before 8.30am.

Accessible side door available if using trolleys.

4. PICK-UP

⏰ 5.30–6.30pm (or earlier if needed)

Please be prompt, it’s a long day for volunteers.

If you have issues dropping off/collecting, call 07796 160700.

5. HELPERS ON THE DAY

This exhibition is run entirely by volunteers ��

If you can help with stewarding, please let us know in advance or on arrival. It’s a great way to meet fellow artists and enjoy the day.

6. INSURANCE

Artists are responsible for insuring their own work.

All exhibits are displayed at the artist’s risk.

OTHER NEWS

DAiSY FEST 2025

DAiSY (Disability Arts in Surrey) has just launched its campaign for DAiSY FEST 2025, a two-day arts festival taking place at G Live, Guildford on 21–22 November. This year’s theme is “Connections”, celebrating the communities and creative networks that make the arts thrive. On Friday 21st, the festival will host a forum of discussions on creative communities, access, and representation, alongside performances and exhibitions. On Saturday 22nd, G Live will come alive with workshops, performances, exhibitions, and stalls showcasing artists and disability arts organisations from across Surrey.

DAiSY is currently looking for around 10 volunteer stewards to support across the weekend — tasks may include helping with set-up, assisting at workshops, scanning tickets, or guiding audiences to events. If you’d like to get involved, you can find more information and sign up here: DAiSY FEST.

There are also fantastic opportunities for D/deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent artists to participate in the festival. You can explore these here: Artist Opportunities.

NEWSLETTER

COMMISSION FOR A WEDDING BANNER

We recently received a lovely enquiry from Babsie Grobler, who was inspired after purchasing artwork at the St John’s exhibition in Guildford. She is looking for an artist to paint a bar banner for her daughter’s upcoming wedding. Babsie has a general idea in mind but is happy to leave the details to the artist’s interpretation.

If any of our members are interested in taking on this creative commission, please get in touch so we can connect you with Babsie.

SUMMER RAILINGS EXHIBITION

Pirbright Art Club is taking part in the

Railings Exhibition which will take place

on Saturday 30th, this year coinciding

with the Pirbright Village Fair.

GUILDFORD HOUSE OPEN

Guildford House Gallery invites artists to submit work for the second edition of its art prize. Up to 100 works will be selected for a group exhibition and the winning artist will receive a £1,000 cash prize plus a solo exhibition. There is no set theme: the aim is to present the best contemporary art, whether 2D or 3D, across a range of media.

Submissions are now open. For more information:

https://artopps.co.uk/opportunities/guildfordhouseopen-25

KEY DATES

Deadline for submissions 1 October 2025, 5pm

Results released 17 October 2025

Delivery of selected work 6 - 8 November 2025, 10am-4pm

Private View 27 November 2025

Open to the public 22 November 2025

Closed to the public 28 February 2026

WHAT’S COMING

PROGRAMME

For those who like to plan ahead, here’s an early look at our programme for the coming months.

POP-UP EXHIBITION

13th September All Day Holy Trinity Church

DEMO WITH FRANK WATERS - WATERCOLOUR

18th of October, starts at 2pm at St Catherine's Village Hall

WEST HORSLEY PLACE CHRISTMAS FAIR

21st November, 2025 at 10:00am - 23rd November, 2025 at 4:00pm

WORKSHOP

29th November St Catherine’s Village Hall

Mixed media and collage workshop with Sera Knight. Theme is Angels. Timing is 10am to 4pm

POP-UP EXHIBITION

6th December All Day Holy Trinity Church

It helps with catering if you can let us know that you are going to attend via the following email address: exhibcoord.gas@outlook.com. We hope to see you there!