A firm favourite on the Friends’ calendar, the Autumn Art Exhibition once again went ahead this year for the 17th time, supported by 60 local artists who submitted a combined 285 paintings, and a magnificent team of volunteers who came together to help stage, and then assist throughout, the three-day event.
Held at St Andrew’s Prep in Meads, the exhibition saw sales of 37 paintings and portfolios, with the youngest exhibitor being just one year old, entering with (and selling!) a piece entitled ‘Mason’s Mystery Mash’. The young artist comes from a line of equally talented family members, four generations of whom were also exhibiting at the event – a true (and rare) first for an exhibition which has been running for 17 years.
Amongst the weekend’s other highlights were a painting demonstration by Jackie Hurwood, the raffle of a painting by Robert Stevens, and the silent auction of a painting by Alan Everard – all three being well-known local artists. We were also delighted to announce that Christopher Osborne won Best in Show with his oil painting Across the Fields, judged by visiting artist Nigel Greaves, and for which he was awarded the Chatfield Cup. Clearly an outstanding artwork, this same piece was also chosen as the People’s Favourite.
Finally, not to forget the reason that so many artists submitted, so many businesses donated, and so many volunteers helped, we also welcomed Consultant Urologist, Dr Peter Rimmington, who spoke about the focus of our fundraising and 2022’s Special Project – the essential replacement of the Da Vinci Robot for urological surgery at the DGH. The first Da Vinci robot to wear out so soon after its original instalment, the new robot’s predecessor was in use every working day of the week for seven whole years in order to keep up with the demand for vital prostate and urological treatments and its retirement and consequent replacement has therefore been essential.
Enormous thanks go to everyone who supported this event, and for the generosity of the following companies and bodies: St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne College, Crockford Management, Plan Ahead, Eastbourne Motoring Centre, the local Scouts, and all catalogue advertisers. We are delighted to report that the event raised almost £4,000.
