Summer Exhibition 2021 ‘jewel in the crown’

Newton Abbot Art Group is set to stage its Summer Art Exhibition at Newton’s Place July 23 – 31.

More than 20 artists are taking over the first floor community space of the renovated building in Wolborough Street for a free eight-day display showing paintings, wood carvings and ceramics.  

Secretary Virginia Griem is looking forward to the event.

 ‘Well it has been a long time coming but well worth the wait,’ she said.

‘When we first heard that St Leonard’s Church was being taken over by Newton Abbot Town Council and the Museum, and that it would include community space, we as an art group were thrilled, but we could never have imagined that such a beautiful venue would be on offer to us.

‘Covid19 has meant that we were unable to hold an exhibition in 2020, but the delay has given us the opportunity to be the first community group to exhibit at Newton’s Place, which is very exciting.  ‘We have been involved in the Newton’s Place project over the past few years, contributing to the stained glass panels in the museum and some of our members have made boxes for the People’s Project, also now on show in the museum, and group member John Daly has been in close contact with the project throughout.’

Publicity Secretary Jan Newton is equally keen to open the doors.

She said: ‘The Summer Exhibition is going to be the jewel in our crown, and in many cases will be our first opportunity to meet our members in over a year, as well as offer our work to the general public.

‘Having this exhibition is giving members a big boost as the various lockdowns have been difficult, plus we have not been able to hold our weekly art sessions in over a year now.  

‘However Newton Abbot Art Group has been keeping busy.  We have sampled new technology with weekly Zoom meetings, monthly newsletters sent on email, and snail mail, and our Facebook page and Instagram account have proved very popular.  

Newton’s Place is a brand new venue for Newton Abbot Art Group and we are very excited to be the first group to hold an exhibition there.  Please do come along and experience this state of the art museum and the lovely old restored church.’