The interplay of human feelings, vision and thought is central to enjoying decorative and fine arts. Our ADFAS lecture series can carry us away both visually and in the private world of our thoughts, the implied thoughts of the artistic creators as well as the interpretation of our speakers.
As a small island in the sea of everyday life, the Monday night lectures and get together offer a welcome escape and promise of thought-provoking ideas and new horizons.
Well, this year after the first lecture by Catherine Wallace on Love, Art & Tragedy, real tragedy struck with Corona Virus and we were left on a desert island!
Of course, we have ongoing expenses related to The Society, Insurance, etc as well as our commitment to the young Arts programme even without holding any meetings. Most years we balance our books with some fundraising events such as movie afternoons but alas no opportunity this year.
However, we were able to subscribe to several specially made videos of arts-related lectures and make these available to our members. Not quite the same as the real thing but in the spirit of Covid survival one of the many alternatives people have sought.
The Wollombi Sculpture in the Vineyards Festival came at just the right time for us to organize a Covid Safe Car Boot Picnic in the grounds of Stonehurst Winery. Our hosts Philipa and Daryl Heslop were most accommodating and the 70+ members and friends enjoyed the get together along with the picnic boxes from Matt Dillow at The Deck Cafe.
We plan on doing this again next year and Philipa said they would welcome us again and even mow the grass! Although the rustic appearance was welcome for a gathering of people who had not enjoyed each others company for so long.
Next year your committee has put together a great programme based on Australian lecturers-maybe Covid has encouraged a coming of age as it were for our society. We have developed a flexible plan but one plus is the performing Arts Centre will allow us to take a plastic glass of wine into the auditorium and sit down to enjoy it. We are looking at options re food and will keep you informed.
Debra McGuigan and her committee have selected award winners for this year's Young Arts Programme. The applications were of a high standard as outlined by Debra's report.
One new initiative which came from Di Nelson is the Pokolbin ADFAS Facebook page which seems to attract most interesting posts and is a ready means of communicating information.
Our web site is maintained by Ian Veroni and as always is a challenge for our small society so we thank Ian for his persistence
Liz Ewen does a sterling job as Treasurer and has guided us through this most difficult year.
All the members of your committee play a keen and active role, it is so gratifying to know they have the interests of our members front and centre in all our discussions and go out of their way to help make things happen. Phillip Bolton suggested we have our AGM here at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery and the offered to organize it!
Our Pokolbin ADFAS Society is an important contributor to our intellect and emotional needs, to the community in sharing common threads of artistic expression. It offers a vehicle for us to interact with each other and at the same time to support the young arts.