Tadley and Baughurst Art Club makes long awaited return

THE Tadley and Baughurst Art Club (TABAC) has made a triumphant return after two-and-a-half years away.

The club held its much delayed annual exhibition last weekend at the Ambrose Allen Centre, displaying the artwork of its members.

The exhibits ranged from portraits to landscapes, animals to digital art, as well as crafts and textiles.

While the event was relatively low key, with no refreshments or painting demonstrations, there was a steady stream of visitors over the two days, and there was plenty for them to look at and enjoy.

TABAC secretary Ruth Porter said: “There were some lovely comments on the variety and high standard of work on display which were much appreciated.”

Visitors were requested to vote for the Most Popular Exhibit with a trophy being awarded to the artist whose work came top.

There was a tie for this with “Bourne End” and “The Smithy at Work” – both by Jenny Kennish – and “Sandy Day” by Maureen McBarron all getting the same number of votes.

Ms Kennish and Ms McBarron will share the trophy, each enjoying it for three months until TABAC’s next exhibition – potentially in the spring as in previous years.

As well as the main exhibits, members have been producing miniature paintings on the theme of “All That Jazz” and collages using recycled materials.

Visitors were asked to nominate their favourite for each of these, with Barbara Feuillade-Cole winning for her miniature painting and Ms Kennish winning for her collage.

This year’s exhibition was in support of Artwell, an organisation that aims to use the creative process to help people overcome mental health problems.

For more information on the charity, visit www.artwell-basingstoke.co.uk/about-us.

Ms Porter added: “The club is always pleased to welcome new members and anyone interested in seeing what we do can come and visit us.

“Please contact tadleyandbaughurstartclub@gmail.com for further details or find us on Facebook.”

The club meets at The Link in Tadley Community Centre in the Beavers Room.

Its members work on their own projects in a wide range of styles and mediums.

Although it doesn’t provide formal tuition on a regular basis, it holds occasional demonstrations and workshops.