MASTERTON SKETCH CLUB

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 July 1938, Page 6

MASTERTON SKETCH CLUB

REPORT ON SATISFACTORY YEAR. CALL FOR MORE MEMBERS. A very satisfactory year’s work was disclosed in the annual report of the Masterton Sketch Club, presented to members at the annual meeting last week by the president (Mrs L. T. Daniell). Mrs Daniell said the club was in a strong financial position and had added to its membership considerably. The membership, however, should be enlarged further. It was felt that the opportunities the club offered were not fully realised. Each member had the privilege of getting a written criticism on up to two sketches or drawings each month from Mr Roland Hipkins, Art Director of the Wellington Training College, a highly-qualified and enthusiastic art instructor. Mr Hipkins was also a member of the Hanging Committee of the New Zeala'nd Academy and the club was most fortunate in securing his services. The criticisms were read aloud and compared at monthly meetings, so that all members able to attend got the benefit of the several criticisms and the stimulus of a mutual interest. Work in any medium was accepted and a very warm invitation was extended to anyone interested, to apply to the hon. secretary. Miss F. Rutherford, for full details. THE ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report presented by Mrs Daniell stated: — ■ “We have come to the end of what can quite safely be called a busy and prosperous year, although one of some changes. A certain amount of change

is usually beneficial, and I think the! advent, first of Miss Adkin as temporary club critic, and then of Mr Hipkins, who will, we hope, be permanent as far as the ensuing year goes, has certainly been tonic. I think that all will agree that the standard of work done in the club is definitely on the up grade, and it will need to be, for that reads for the whole of New Zealand, and if we are to keep abreast, we must not relax our efforts. “There has been considerable social activity in the club, although fewer of the usual sketching picnics, owing to the discouraging behaviour of the weather. A large gathering in this room filled the double purpose of showing a measure of our appreciation of a beloved founder in the presentation of a camphor wood chest to Mrs Dalziell, and of our good wishes to a former secretary, Miss Barton, on the eve of her marriage. This took the form of a gift tea. Miss lorns, a committee member, was later given a tea and wedding present from the club members. We are glad we have not lost touch with these two members. “Business activities were also kept in view. A most successful art union for pictures given by members was held and realised a profit of £l3 Bs. “The annual exhibition was held in October. Lady Perry very kindly opened the private view. In an attempt to co-operate with the educational side we have invited the art mistresses at the colleges to become honorary members. They displayed a keen interest in the visit of Mr and Mrs Hipkins, at which criticism the room was filled to capacity. We hope to have another visit very shortly. The enthusiastic slaps and pats of Mr Hipkins are most stimulating. “As you will- see, the club funds are in a satisfactory state, showing a credit balance of £4O 10s. The members of the committee, who have worked, so enthusiastically,' are to be congratulated. “There are less bright spots. We are to lose temporarily the work of two most valued members, the Misses Cockerill. We shall miss their excellent work, and even more their delightful, cheerful personalities. We hope that very shortly restored health will bring them into the fold once more. “We have also deep sympathy with two of our members who have suffered bereavement, Mrs Collie and Mrs Peacock. Mrs Peacock we also lose as a member, as she is to' live in Auckland. The good wishes of the club go with her. “We have gained several new working members and are particularly glad to have junior members, who bring with them the spirit of youth—that essential of all art —and to whom we can look for the future of the club. May it go from strength to strength.”