Artists say farewell to founder

Fellow art students of the Vinery Workshops recently celebrated the retirement of organiser Joy Tinker after more than 18 years.

Joy, the founder, began these monthly art events in the Vinery at the Welbeck Garden Centre, giving the group its name.

Amateur artists and craftspeople across Newark, Mansfield, Retford and Worksop areas who wanted to share their skills and learn from professional guest artists, joined the group.

However, within a short time the venue proved too small and a move to its current home in Cuckney was necessary.

Since that time Joy has developed and expanded the workshops, to include special events and trips to art exhibitions — most recently to the Hockney Exhibition in London.

Joy’s husband, who died 18 months ago, also provided great support to the successful running of the group.

Joy’s friends and fellow artists thanked her for all her hard work as organiser and looked forward to her continued attendance at the workshops.

Guest artists continue to provide monthly tuition with the well-known artist, Julian Bray, becoming the main and most popular, as his work receives increasing national and international acclaim.

Gillian Iles will be taking over the organisation of the workshops and is already arranging an exhibition of members’ work at the Thoresby Gallery for April 2013, developing ideas for trips and events, plus a website to bring members’ work to a wider audience.

Anyone who would like to know more about the workshops can contact Gillian on 01777 711975.