Dear Member,

Let me start this letter by wishing you all a Very Happy New Year. And to our Chinese Members

Kung Hei Fat Choi

It was brought to my attention that in the November 2002 Newsletter I made a mistake with the dates of our meetings. The correct dates should be as follows:

8th February
5th April
7th June
2nd August
4th October
29th November

The Christmas Party - November meeting, saw us holding serious talks about the future of the Society. It was decided that the demonstration was an important part of the meeting and we should continue to provide it for our members.

As our Treasurer pointed out that funds at present are not plentiful, it was decided that Artists would be approached and asked if they would be willing to give a demonstration without remuneration. It was believed that most would do so willingly.

A registrar of teachers would be formed. The teachers and their students to be encouraged to join the Society.
It was decided to print some flyers to be distributed through the post and placed in all appropriate places. Elizabeth Kwan offered to design one for us.

Members were asked to approach their local newspapers offering information about the Society and try to get our meetings mentioned in their Diary.

As I mentioned before, our participation in the Parramatta Exhibition was quite a success and we have decided to go solo and have one of our own at the CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE in Chatswood. Consequently the hall has been booked for the following dates:

29th May - 10th June, 2003

As you know, setting up an exhibition takes a lot of effort. We need as many of you as possible to help to set up the Exhibition and taking it down. The Centre has a lot of equipment and facilities but does not physically help to set it up.

The paintings should be framed or scrolled, no milar or other temporary arrangements. As the Centre does not accept any money, we plan to compile a catalogue with prices together with the Treasurer's phone number, so that any visitor interested in buying could contact her. Beginners are most welcome to participate.

There will be a charge of $5.00 per entry and a commission of 25% which, under the circumstances is very reasonable.

Daisy Hsu has kindly offered to take the charge of looking after the refreshments, however, I think we should all help by making some "gold" offerings in the box provided.

At the November meeting it was decided that an interested group should meet again to discuss further policies. This took place on January 4 and attended by Maggie De Courcy, Barbara Markovich, Daisy Hsu, Evelyne Hadfield, Elixabeth Kwan and myself. Further discussions were held about the flyer and the Exhibition, and other means of attracting new members.

THE TRIP TO CHINA. After the discussions held at a previous meeting it has become obvious that the idea of staying in Suchou and attending the Academy would be rather difficult. I suggested that we could spend 5 or 6 days in Hong Kong instead, where there is an excellent trained teacher with very good knowledge of English.
The group could then proceed to Suchou, which is a delightful city, and perhaps take in Hangchou as well, or Shanghai. Maggie will have the cost and details worked out for the next meeting, but we need the numbers, otherwise the idea will have to be abandoned.

As there are times when dates and artists may be changed, I would strongly advise you to ring the Centre first at 9411 3799

If you have anything you wish to include in the agenda for the next meeting, please let me know either by email: mirrahai@bigpond.net.au or by phone 9452 3055. We are thinking of sending future newsletters by email if possible, so let us know your email address.

Liang Xiaoping would be willing to start a calligraphy class in English at my studio on alternate Wednesdays. If you are interested, let me know.

I hope I will see as many of you as possible at the next meeting which will be 8th February, as usual at 2.30pm at Will's Quills.

Your Secretary,

Mirra Hainsworth.

The Australian Chinese Painting Society

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