The Essex branch was invited to the Artists and Illustrators exhibition at the Design Centre in Islington, London in July 2003,and although the group has been up and running for just two years, they rose to the challenge enthusiastically. A display of richly coloured silk items, crafted by their own members, generated a wealth of positive comments. Their eye-catching demonstrations proved to be a real crowd puller, encouraging over 200 people to try for themselves at the 'Have -a-go 'tables. It was an exhausting but worthwhile opportunity to promote silk painting to artists who are used to working in other media.
We also had a stand, or should I say half a marquee space, at the large Craft Fair, Blakehall Ongar Essex at the August Bank Holiday. This was our second time of showing as a group, and once again, it was very worthwhile. It is a good venue for selling, with such a wide variety of items from our members - ranging from scarves, cards, paintings, to jewellery, beads and key rings, all using silk in one shape or form. Demonstrations always prove popular, and will often secure a free place at such events, and this time we had about 320 people 'Having a Go'. For the first time we included a raffle - a large Silk Painting Starter Kit -this was another excellent way to raise money for the Branch.
Wherever we have shown our work, and we always elicit praise, and very favourable comments. It also raises the profile of Silk Painting. We have had many 'spin offs', with local groups asking for speakers, demonstrators or workshops. We have generated lots of interest, encouraging people to join our workshops in Ongar and Chelmsford, which in turn brings new people into the Guild.
After all this activity you may think we are resting - but we have our second Exhibition at Loughton Library, starting on November 13th and running through to December 10th. We will end that day with our Celebration Dinner. The Essex Branch has been in existence for a comparatively short time, but our membership is growing - as is our expertise at putting on a good 'show'. We are a friendly, enthusiastic group of painters, and have learned so much from each other over the past two years. Loughton is not far from the M25 and close to an Underground station, so do visit if you have the chance.