Cllr Cliff Betton, the current Mayor of Surrey Heath, officially opened this year’s Annual Exhibition at High Cross Church in fine style at a special Reception Evening on Thursday 10th September. The exhibition was visited by many members of the public over the following two days, Friday 11th and Saturday 12th September.
Frimley & Camberley Society of Arts Chairman, Sue Whitehead, welcomed everyone to the Annual Exhibition with the following words:
“Thank you to everyone who has submitted work and to family and friends who have come to support them. This year we have over 230 works of art on display as well portfolios, cards and smaller items.
Alongside these we are celebrating the artistic achievements of clients attending the Disability Initiative here in Camberley. As a Society we are keen to make strong links with the Community. Maureen Hayward and I volunteer at the centre and we are keen to showcase the talent of the clients and the amazing work of the Centre. Isobel Glassar Deputy Operations Manager is here on their behalf to say a few words about the Charity.”
Isobel Glassar and a few members of her team from the Disability Initiative expressed how much they enjoy taking part in the exhibition and what an important part art can play in the lives of their clients. Below is a selection of some of the work on display.
The Mayor kindly agreed to present the prizes and awards to all the prize winners. There was a surprise additional prize offered by this year’s judge, James Thompson, for the best mixed media painting which would come from the Kaisen Fine Art Gallery in Bagshot.
The Winsland Prize for best Watercolour painting (£100 prize) was presented to Fran Bunting for her painting “Sunflower”
The Kaisen Gallery Art Award for the best Mixed Media painting (£50) went to Carole Head for her painting “Dreamy”.
The Graham Scandrett Memorial Trophy for the best oil/acrylic painting was presented to Elaine Winter for her painting “Heat of Ithaca”.
The Valerie Brooks Memorial Trophy for best pastel was awarded to Martin Singer for his charcoal “Head of S R S”
The Themed Competition Trophy for the best picture on the theme “CONTRAST” went to Sue Whitehead for her painting “Nature Contrasting Colours”
The Committee Prize for best Portrait (£50 prize) went to Lesley Kilner for her portrait “Selfie”.
It has become a tradition to ask the judge to give rosettes to paintings that he thought were special and here is a gallery of those paintings.
There are some people without whom the Annual Exhibition would not be the same. Our past Chairman Peter Tuitt, seen here with his wife Lynne, has been tremendous at garnering sponsors each year to provide greatly appreciated funds to help with the expense of putting on an art exhibition.
Grateful thanks go to the following companies who kindly sponsored Frimley & Camberley Society of Arts this year: The Fish Shop, Bridge View Dental Surgery, KPS, Howlands, the Village Eye Clinic and Martin Lamb & Sons.
We decided to take this opportunity to thank Fred Green for his many years of auditing the society’s accounts prior to the AGM. He has decided it is time for him to retire after nearly twenty years and he was presented with a voucher for a tea at Pennyhill Park.
The Annual Exhibition has been held at High Cross Church for as long as many of us can remember and Colin, the Caretaker, has always looked after us well. It was our turn to give him something sweet in appreciation for all he does.
There is someone who might prefer to remain behind the camera but he must be credited with the majority of the photographs in this report and his name is Alan Meeks. His photographs are very much appreciated.
Finally, the Committee, together with our President, Liz Seward, wish to thank all the artists and volunteers whose talent, enthusiasm and support enable the committee to mount this year’s exhibition of over 200 paintings, including cards, portfolios and a table of small items, all of which came together to produce another very enjoyable and successful event.
Here’s to the next one!!
Write Up by Carole Head
2 replies on “ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2026 REPORT”
Another great exhibition and a brilliant write up from Carole. I have been a member of FCSA for many years and each year the standard of work produced rises. It is great to see new members joining (and exhibiting) and it is an honour to be a member of such a welcoming, friendly, helpful and vibrant Society. Well done to the Committee and all the supporting members.
I would like to thank the companies that once again this year sponsored the FCSA Annual Exhibition. Howlands estate agents. The eye clinic, Bridgeview dental , The Fish shop, Martin Lamb fruit & veg.
Our newest sponsor is KPS Ltd.,who carry out buildings services including ,extensions, kitchen & bathroom refurbishments.
KPS Tele 0800 0141880