A glimpse of summer for AGM delegates at Palace House

April 11th, 2017

Category: Latest Updates

Ahead of the Summer Open Exhibition in July SEA members enjoyed perfect weather for the AGM weekend at Newmarket, which culminated in a tour of the National Horseracing Museum and the AGM in The Mews at Palace House.

[ezcol_2third]Drawing and sketching on the gallops at Newmarket was carried out in the near-perfect conditions on Saturday April 8 with an early-morning mist clearing to a beautifully clear day and an afternoon spent as guests of Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). Artists soaked up the magnificent surroundings of the Rothschild Yard at Palace House – perfect conditions for all those working up an appetite and the opportunity to relax at an evening meal organised by Jenny Bell SEA.

Sunday did not disappoint either as it turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far. SEA members took advantage of a tour behind the scenes of the venue for the SEA Summer Open Exhibition from the Director of the National Horseracing Museum Chris Garibaldi. One delegate commented: “It was a brilliant tour, especially with the curator there to explain it all.” All those on the tour agreed that the space that will work well for the Summer Open Exhibition and are excited about the prospect of their work being in direct view of the many thousands of visitors expected to the town during the July Festival week. The exhibition space includes not only The Mews but also the atrium, the museum itself as well as space for large sculpture in the secure Rothschild Yard and areas for smaller pieces within the Kings Yard. It really is an opportunity to reach a new and diverse audience as tourists, race-goers, trainers and breeders descend on the area.

The AGM itself ran smoothly, SEA members attending took advantage of the chance to hear others’ views and express their own interests.

Sheila Bailey was duly elected as Chairman and in doing so set out her ambitions for the Society: “Using the skills and connections I have as a purchaser of equestrian art, through my passion for the thoroughbred and racehorses together with my background as an experienced charity professional, I seek to help the Society increase its profile and attract new members. I am deliberately not saying young members as my ambition is to bring in fresh talent not only from those at the start of their careers but also from those who have pursued other careers and are only now finding time to explore their creative aspirations. I feel we should also seek to build confidence and encourage both existing and new connections to get more involved.”

Members of all levels are called upon to consider joining the committee to have their say in the shaping of the future of the Society. Travel expenses are reimbursed and it does not have to be a long-term commitment, so don’t let those areas be a barrier to you playing a part in the future success of the organisation. If you would like further information on expectations please contact sec@equestrianartists.co.uk/

Delegates get their heads together after the AGM.

Sheila Bailey, SEA Chairman, chats to delegates after the AGM.

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All models – human or equine – get that ‘itchy nose’ moment.

The hard work of the SEA board was noted by Sheila, with the confirmation that the team will continue to improve the smooth running of the Society and make the most of the two exhibitions planned in 2017. The Horse in Art returns to the Museum of the Horse in Tuxford from September 23 to October 7 and ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN for the Summer Open Exhibition in Newmarket. This will be a summer selling exhibition and will promoted as such.

Entries for the summer exhibition are entirely online – please visit equestrianartists.co.uk for details. Entry fees are attractive and, due to the diverse nature of the audience visiting Newmarket in July, members are welcome to enter works that have exhibited before. The closing date for all entries is June 4. Please note that the closing date for Horse in Art entries, which is the standard paper entry, is June 29 so it’s an ideal opportunity to make your selection for both exhibitions and get ahead of the game. Works submitted to the summer exhibition can also be considered for the Horse in Art. Details and guidance notes for both exhibitions are available via links from the home page of the website or contact sec@equestrianartists.co.uk with any direct enquiries.[/ezcol_1third_end]