August 2011

Building momentum

Scunthorpe Telegraph, Monday, August 08 2011

ART enthusiasts turned out for a popular exhibition at the weekend.

The Ermine Art Group's second exhibition was held at Chapel Barn in Winteringham, with the aim of promoting the work of the area's amateur artists.

It also gives the artists, many of them self-taught, the chance to make a little money from their work.

Added to that, 10 per cent of the money raised will go to the chapel, which also receives an exhibition fee.

The inaugural exhibition, which was held last year, attracted around 100 people and saw about 50 paintings sold, and organisers said a similar number came up the chapel steps second time around.

The chapel itself received £200 from the group.

Ermine Art was formed in 2009 and is now 13 members strong.

Eileen Rounce, who enjoys painting in watercolours, first had the idea of setting up the group.

She said: "I had already been in one group and enjoyed it, and found there were too many distractions to paint at home.

"There was nowhere about and I thought 'right I'll start my own'. I looked around for somewhere to do it, and the chapel was available.

"And we absolutely love the building. It's such a lovely building, it should be used.

"We're all like-minded and enjoy what we're doing, and if we can sell a few at the end of the day then that's very nice.

"And we are all in a position now, after last year, to say that we have sold paintings, which is really nice.

"I'm pleased with the way it's going."

The group only has room for one more member, but Eileen said the size of it was one its attractions.

"This is a nice quiet, intimate group," she said. "And it's a great village. People come and support us."

Another of the group's founders is Sandi Johnson. Like many of her fellow members, she is self-taught.

She said: "It's a good group because we all gel and we all come from different places with our pictures. We're coming from far and wide."

Pauline Chidwick couldn't paint when she joined the group, but is now selling her artwork.

She said: "I only started painting a few months ago. I wouldn't have learned to paint without this group."

Andy and Jane Taylor were among those browsing the paintings.

"I think it looks fantastic," said Mrs Taylor. "The range of styles is amazing."

Mr Taylor was also impressed. "We thought we'd come and have a look and show our support," he said.