Dear Member,

Our last meeting was opened by our President, Andrew Lo, who spoke about our project to produce a Magazine/Catalogue of Members' paintings.

Two options were offered, a cheap and very acceptable version which he could produce with the help of a friend and which would be well within the finances of the Society as it stands, and more expensive one with glossy paper and well produced photographs.

When put to the vote, the more inexpensive option was voted for. It was decided to allow one photo and caption per member with an additional payment of $10-15 for any extra photo.

We have photos from most members, but if you haven't sent us one yet, please do so as soon as possible. We would like you to write a few words about yourself to be used as a caption.

Andrew Lo also gave us a demonstration of his unique way of using Chinese Ink and Pigmented ink to make a most interesting painting. Andrew has always believed that one should add a fifth treasure to the traditional Chinese Four, and that is water. Watching him work one does realize what an important part water plays in his painting.

With the help of alum, inks and lots of water, by the end of the session he had produced a beautiful painting of restful waters, rolling hills and majestic trees.

If you are interested in doing a workshop with Andrew, please let us know and we will organize one.

FRAGRANT SPACE EXHIBITION

Everyone seems to agree that the exhibition was a great success, as were the many activities offered.

We managed to form a group of 14 to attend the seminar offered on 13th May. We all found it very entertaining and informative.

The three Sunday Afternoon Demonstrations given as part of the activities were also well attended. Stuart Leong, Peter Liu and myself spent three enjoyable hours painting our favourite subjects and answering questions form interested spectators.

The last demonstration also included a painting by the three of us together which Stuart finished off in his elegant calligraphy and which was then donated to the Gallery.

The three artists and Ann MacArthur, Co-ordinator of Asian Programmes of AGNSW.

Unfortunately, I could not attend the Scroll Mounting Demonstrations, but those who did told me that it was well planned and very informative.

We look forward to more such exhibitions in the furture.

RESIGNATION

It is with great regret that we have had to accept the resignation from the Committee of Mike Harty. Mike has been our Vice-President since the time of our Society's founding. We will miss him greatly but hope he will remain a good friend of the Society.

Now is the time for anyone willing to step in the breach and come to our assistance.

NEWS FROM THE CHINESE CULTURAL CENTRE

5th to 19th August - Exhibition of Painting and Calligraphy by MA NGAI LIANG.

You are already familiar with Mr Ma's work as he gave us a most engoyable demonstration some time last year, so make an effort and go to see his exhibition. I am sure you will feel most inspired by it.

24th August to 9th September - Exhibition of Paintings by Patrick Lam.

Patrick was pupil of the great Lingnan School painter Chao Shaoang. He is a successful teacher in Melbourne and has exhibited often both in Melbourne and Sydney, not to mention Hong Kong and other parts of China. This is another exhibition that you should try not to miss.

The Chinese Cultural Centre is open from 10am to 5pm each day except Sunday. Should you want any further information please ring them at 9411 3799.

NEW MEMBERS

We wish to welcome Wendy Rodgers and Sheila Livesey to our Society. We hope they will find as much enjoyment in the activities of the Society as I hope you have found in the past.

The ROYAL EASTER SHOW

The management of the Craft section fot he Royal Easter Show has expressed an interest in forming a new Chinese Painting/Calligraphy Classification.

As this would be a great boost for further interest in our art form, we hope that you will support us in the effort of making our first appearance a great success.

SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL

There are many of you who have not yet renewed your subscription. It would help greatly if you did so as soon as possible.

The Society needs your support to continue to exist. There can be no Society without members, so if you have not already done so, please send in your subscription fee and try to encourage friends and fellow students to join.

Our next meeting is our Annual General Meeting. I hope you will make an extra effort to come.

I look forward to seeing you all on 12th August.

Your Secretary,

Mirra Hainsworth.