Woking: exhibition by Catholic artists
The Society of Catholic Artists Regional Group (SCAR) has just put up 'Awakening' its annual exhibition of remarkable paintings, sculpture, fabrics, prints and stained glass at St Columba’s Retreat and Conference Centre at Maybury Hill, Woking, Surrey. The work is mostly arranged along the main corridor of the new building, with some work also on display in the chapel.
Among the variety of media are printed and stitched textiles by Madelaine Hutchin, and two contemplative calligraphy and watercolour works by Susan Skinner entitled ‘New Roads 1 and 2’. The delicacy of an etched monoprint ‘Wayside Shrine’ by Margaret Massie-Taylor contrasts with the strong black and white drawings by Sergio Gonzales in his triptych ‘Nights of Black Moon’.
Photographs by Jocelyn Underwood, computer generated images by Helen Armstrong, and a poem by Lucy Calcott hang with the abstract paintings by Phyllis Hall and Clare Ford in the corridor.
In the chapel John Armstrong shows the abstract ‘Alignment’ and the figurative ‘Jesus Meets His Blessed Mother’ in two very diverse styles.. Barbara Fanning shows two light boxes of vibrant stained and fused glass, and on the altar John Glazier has a fine study in ciment findu, ‘New Born’.
A glance at the visitors’ book, showing comments by visitors and delegates, suggests that the exhibition is well appreciated by those who come into the building. Both the retreat centre and the exhibition are well worth a visit.
The organisers extend grateful thanks to the Director, Father Owen Murphy, who provided a warm welcome and excellent exhibition space. The exhibition is open weekdays from 1o – 4pm, and Saturdays from 10 – 1pm, and continues until Wednesday 26 April 2011.
SCAR, a group of professional artists in the south east, formed in 1976 as a branch of SCA. The Society of Catholic Artists, founded in 1929, aims to bring art and the Church together to express the Gospel message.