President's Thoughts

When I founded the BVGA I had one thing in mind. It had to provide what was not available locally. There were no groups that provided continuous instruction on various media. Art Societies tend to deal with art appreciation. They appear to prompt higher standards through the medium of selection at annual exhibitions. We have taken a lead in the provision of courses, workshops and continuous exhibition facilities. In this way we hope members will gain skill and confidence. Through this process we hope the public will interact and see that there are alternatives to the lowering of standards. They see this in some well known exhibitions and competitions. We are impressed by the success of Watercolour Challenge, which shows great variety and enhances the traditional values of drawing. It seems to me that we should be offering each other a joint membership or at least the chance for members to attend each other's events. We are unique in that we are a learning, doing and leisure enterprise. Mike Dalton President.