Arts & Culture

Nadia Waterfield Fine Art is opening its doors to its most exciting, eclectic art show yet – The Spring Hampshire Art Fair from 23rd April to 14th May. With over 250 original contemporary paintings, sculptures and ceramics from artists new to the gallery, alongside more established exhibitors, there’s something for all tastes and pockets.

This stunning, spacious gallery, just outside Stockbridge, houses a wonderfully diverse range of work from over 60 carefully selected artists from the UK and abroad, representing a wide variety of styles, genre and media. The gallery itself is comfortable and relaxing with stylish rugs, lamps, tables and chairs. There’s plenty of parking and lovely dog walks making this a magical venue in which to enjoy some truly memorable art.

Please get in touch for private consultations too – we will bring suitable artwork to you and offer expert advice on what best suits your space. We are happy to leave paintings with you to decide if they ‘fit’. We also take interest-free payments over 10 months.

All artworks can be viewed and purchased online www.nadiawaterfieldfineart.com

Visit to Kew Gardens to see the Chihuly Glass Exhibit 2019

The Arts Society Test Valley

Salvador Dali. Andy Warhol. HRH Prince Charles. Unlikely bedfellows, you think? But the work of these diverse artists, along with many others has… adorned the wine labels on bottles of Chateau Mouton Rothschild since 1945! Who knew? And Betty Joel – ever heard of her? Betty was a successful furniture, textile and interior designer during the 1920s and 30s, with a company turnover of £17 million in today’s terms. Commissioned by royalty and businesses alike, including the Savoy hotel, examples of her work today reside in the V&A Museum. Did you know that this extraordinary woman spent the later years of her life and passed away… in Andover? The link between these seemingly unconnected facts? They’ve come to light during the wide range of fascinating talks given at The Arts Society Test Valley (TASTV). Monthly, with both morning and afternoon sessions, the live lectures embrace not only art in terms of paintings and sculptures, but also the art of film, art in advertising, architecture, literature and many more subjects. The lecturers, experts in their field, have undergone the rigorous selection process demanded by the umbrella national organisation ‘The Arts Society’, to which TASTV is affiliated. Now back in-person after Covid restrictions have eased, the timings of the talks lend themselves to have a coffee or lunch before or afterwards with fellow members. And the Society holds a New Members’ lunch to give newcomers the chance to meet each other and recognise a friendly face. TASTV hosts study days, organises day trips for its members too, with professional tours of stately homes, gardens, theatres,

exhibitions etc. The Society fundraise for ‘Arts’ and support projects for young carers and schools. Or, if you’ve a yen for a hands-on project, there are opportunities to watch and label archive film, reconfigure old maps to put online or take part in a national project such as making ‘book trousers’ for The Houses of Parliament. In addition, the society has researched and paid for the production of detailed records of local Church furnishings. The hardback, A member's pastel picture of a Romney Marsh church illustrated book produced is then duly gifted to the Church in question, with a digital version held by the V&A Museum and the Diocese. Overall, The Arts Society Test Valley presents a great opportunity to get out, learn something new and socialise with the like-minded - just as it did when Jean Ward (President) and Brenda Headley founded it in 1971. The subscription fifty years ago was the princely sum of £2.50, and remains reasonably priced today; £50 per annum which includes 10 talks a year - and members may periodically bring a guest for a small donation of £7. Lectures are the first Tuesday of the month (excl. Jul/Aug) at 10:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. They take place at Weyhill Fairground Village Hall, SP11 0QN, where there is plentiful free parking. A member describes her experience of The Arts Society Test Valley: “I always learn something new - and I’m never disappointed!”

If you’d like to know more, please visit www.theartssocietytestvalley.org.uk

If you’re interested in joining, please email: info@theartssocietytestvalley.org.uk Or follow us on Facebook@theartssocietytestvalley

Would you like to explore the Arts?

If you would, then why not come and join our friendly group of members at our monthly meetings in Fairground Village Hall, Weyhill SP11 0QN on the first Tuesday of the month.

There are two lectures sessions to choose from, the morning one starting at 10.30am or the afternoon at 2.15pm (Refreshments are served before each). There is ample free parking so attending couldn’t be easier. If you’re unsure, then come along for a taster visit. It is only £7 and if you decide to join we’ll deduct it from your joining costs. A full year’s membership costs £50 but if you join part-way through the year, the fee is reduced. Through the course of the year we also offer study days and visits to places of interest.

Tuesday 3 May

Bhutan: The Kingdom of The Thunder Dragon This lecture explores the history, art and culture of this extraordinary country, which for centuries has preserved its traditional Buddhist values. Over the last few decades there have been many changes; such as the introduction of roads, television and tourism. Will Bhutan be able to maintain the fine balance between tradition and modernity without diminishing its unique culture?

For more information please visit our website: theartssocietytestvalley.org.uk

The Winchester Studio & Gallery SPRING SHOW

No 7, Vine Yard, Stockbridge

www.carolinehall.net