GETTING CREATIVE

from Southsea Lifestyle June / July 2022

MY FAVOURITE SUMMER LUNCH

Kevin Dean artist, editor, and tutor, talks about creativity and his ambitions for The Omega Art School

All humans are creative. We have a unique ability to conceive an idea and to bring it to life, whether it’s a building about on Southsea Common after watching Match of the Day the night before. Art can allow us to relax, to understand ourselves and what we development, decorating our front room, writing a novel, or sending a witty text. Some people have the talent to become professional artists, actors ,and musicians, but very often their talent is something they have nurtured through years of practice and determination. So often people new to art lack confidence in their ability and feel they are not good enough, comparing themselves to someone they perceive to be better than them. We should see the work that professional artists give us as a delight and inspiration, rather than something to measure ourselves against, in the same way as Sunday footballers enjoy a kick care about, it adds enormous value to our lives. THE OMEGA ART SCHOOL was an idea I had in 2020 just before COVID, after years of part-time teaching in art schools. The concept was simple to give adults an art school experience with welldesigned classes, delivered by invited professional artists who are experts in their field, from drawing and watercolour to acrylics and printmaking. Since last autumn the school has become increasingly popular, with 6 half-day and evening classes running this term. Each class Cont’d p.10

Omega Art School

The Omega Centre. Photo: Debs Dodsworth

Omega Art School. Photo: Debs Dodsworth

Harry Rochat press in the printmaking room. Photo: Lorna Tyrie

begins with inspiring talks, demonstrations, and hand-outs, along with access to online resources including art history, recommended exhibitions and artists, along with suggestions for homework, which can be sent to tutors for feedback. All materials are supplied. Most of the classes are held at the Omega Centre but also at Art Space Portsmouth, where I have my studio. The vision is to keep growing the school. To give more people of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy their creativity, with new skills and confidence, in a safe, fun environment. All our students are encouraged to be brave, but not perfect creatives. THE OMEGA CENTRE was built in 1881 by the Portsmouth School Board because they believed that ‘every child has a right to the best education’. When the school closed, the building continued to be used for education, housing university arts courses. Examples of student’s murals and decorations can still be seen on its ceilings and doors inside the building. Besides the Omega Art School, current occupants include The Heart of Portsmouth Boxing Academy and, The Pompey Pirates Literacy Club. Also, a ceramics studio, and The Portsmouth Printmaking Studios, managed by The Makers Guild, The Southsea Shakespeare Players and the Chris Wood Atelier Life Drawing workshop. Last month this eclectic mix of groups, formed a Charitable Incorporated Organisation to take over the management of the building from the councillor trustees who currently own it. The aim is for the centre to continue as a vibrant hub of creative and sporting activity. The city council is helping to put together a business plan. If you would like to help this ambitious endeavour, please contact Celia Clark (celiadeane.clark@btopenworld.com). omegaartschool@gmail.com https://www.makers-guild.com/printmakers http://www.southseashakespeareactors.com https://www.boxingawards.co.uk

THE OMEGA ART SCHOOL

Summer & Autumn Programme

We are now taking bookings for the Autumn term 19th September until 8th December. With a mix of beginners and more advanced courses. Select from an Evening, Morning or Afternoon session. Even if you haven’t painted or drawn since school, you will be guided every step of the way by our team of supportive tutors. All materials supplied, plus, CAREFULLY DESIGNED STUDY SHEETS, TALKS, ONLINE RESOURCES, SUGGESTIONS FOR PERSONAL STUDY AND REGULAR FEEDBACK. All courses are £298 for the10 week term, instalment plans and concessions available.

We also offer a series of one day summer courses: Saturday 9th July LEARN TO DRAW IN A DAY Sunday 10th July LEARN TO PAINT WATERCOLOUR IN A DAY Saturday 16th July PRINTMAKING WITHOUT A PRESS Saturday 23rd July LOCATION DRAWING MIXED MEDIA Saturday 30th July PAINTING SEA AND SKY IN THE STUDIO .

Each highly informative workshop includes materials and light refreshments. 10am4pm. Cost £74. Monday 15th — Friday 19th August A week of creativity for 16—18yr olds who are about to begin A Level Art or a Foundation Course Includes all materials and light refreshments materials supplied from 10am-4pm Cost for the week: £248 Instalment plans available. Please email omegaartschool@gmail.com for full details of both the autumn term and the summer workshops.

the Omega art school 2 Omega Street Southsea PO5 4LP

14th June 2022 ROSAMUND BARTLETT The Culture of Imperial Russia: - Art and Society before 1917

This lecture tells the story of how native artists, composers and writers broke away from the court in the 19th century in order to forge a cultural identity that was truly Russian. Rosamund Bartlett is a writer and scholar who is an expert on Russian cultural history. She is the author and editor of several books including biographies of Chekhov and Tolstoy.

12th July 2022 MARIE CONTE- HOLM Japanese Art and the West - From Nambam to Japanoiserie From early encounters through trade and Christian missions to the re-opening of Japan to the west in the mid-nineteenth century; this talk will focus on artistic interaction from 16th century depictions of the Portuguese presence in Japan to the influence of Japanese woodblock prints on the Impressionists and post-Impressionists. Marie was Director-General of the Daiwq Anglo-Japanese Foundation from 1999-2011 and has held senior academic positions at various UK universities.

UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH ELDON BUILDING, MIDDLE STREET, SOUTHSEA PO1 2DJ WE GATHER FROM 6PM PRESENTATION 7-8PM A DONATION OF £5 WOULD BE APPRECIATED IF WISHED

Since last October, Mimi Greens in Palmerston Road has become firmly established as the perfect Mediterranean deli, selling a wide range of groceries, from sun dried tomatoes to Panettone, along with a well-stocked cheese and cold meats counter. Kim, the owner, has also invested in a top of the range coffee/espresso machine. Having also been granted a licence to sell alcohol he is also selling a fine selection of wines and has put a few tables outside the shop. “We can now serve anti pasta with a glass of wine, lemoncello, grappa or perhaps coffee and cake, the perfect lunch, or start to a summer’s evening,” said Kim.

Mimi Green’s Deli also produces its own charcuterie, with some excellent salami, Parma ham and prosciutto, all from Italy. “We can put together a charcuterie platter along with cheese and olives, for your table, to take on a picnic, or to simply enjoy while watching TV,” said Kim.