U3A Art Exhibition

COMBINED UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE EXHIBITION.

From Saturday 10th September till Sunday 18th September there will be a combined U3A Arts and Craft Exhibition at the Harlequin Shopping Centre at the well lit Upper Gallery above Marks and Spencer. After the success of last year’s first exhibition, by popular request, there is to be a second exhibition. Francis Smith, ably assisted by a small committee, hopes that this exhibition, open to all U3A Members and their friends will be as successful as that of 2010, visited by over 1200 people.

Such an exhibition provides not only a venue for our artists, designers and craftspeople, but demonstrates that older people are not the stereotypical client population, but are vigorous, creative and net contributors to the cultural and artistic life of any society. Many for the first time since childhood, have the time and inclination to explore and discover new skills and creative vision. Informed by a lifetime’s experience they provide a unique insight into what it is to be a human being.

Last year some forty-four artists exhibited some two hundred pieces of work: these ranged from delicate watercolours through to bold acrylics and intense oils. Medium was not limited to paint, there were significant contributions of print, pastel, pencil, mixed media and textile art, both large and small. Subjects ranged from local scenes and holidays through to portraits, abstract expressionism, cubism, fantasy, humour and this year political comment. Additionally the 2011 exhibition intends to include photography, ceramics, sculpture and ancillary crafts.

If it were not for the energy and commitment of Francis Smith, a practicing artist and printmaker, none of this would be possible. He runs a drop in studio every Tuesday morning at the Art Resources Centre [ARC] at the Pump House, Local Board Road, Watford, and is an inspiration to us all.

We look forward to meeting and greeting many more visitors at our Open and Free Exhibition in September.