Haslemere Art Society

The Haslemere Art Society was founded in 1894 and has over 110 members both professional and amateur. The Society seeks to support and bring together local artists with a range of events and groups. There are regular talks and demonstrations at the Haslemere Educational Museum which are free for members but also open to non-members.

This year’s AGM was a landmark event in the Society’s history. Members of the committee who have worked tirelessly for many years finally passed the baton to a new team.

Kaja van Walt stepped down from her role as Chairperson, after 11 years and Olga Houghton was elected as the new Chairperson. Sarah van den Broek has taken over as Secretary from Brezetta Thonger and Sonya Vine is the new Membership Secretary.

Olga Houghton first visited Haslemere from Ontario, Canada, 9 years ago as the newly appointed Head of Art at Highfield School.

“(I) literally thought ‘WOW, look where I have landed!’ I was immediately drawn to our positive, charitable and vibrant community as well as our independent businesses who provide exciting opportunities to explore all manners of arts and crafts…. So When Kaja, former HAS chairperson, asked if I would be the new chairperson of Haslemere Art Society, I felt deeply honoured and delighted. I have big shoes to fill after Kaja led this lovely team for the last 11 years and I look forward to building upon what she had worked tirelessly to further develop.

In the sharing and celebrative spirit of Haslemere arts and crafts, my aim is to invite local creatives, craftspeople, potters, ceramicists and artists both emerging and established to join our society because it is what the foundation of Haslemere is built on after all and together we can keep that creative spirit alive.”

Also at the AGM, the President’s Award went to last year’s winner again. Roger Dellar had a table full of still life paintings to choose from, all in different media and styles.

Rachel Vitolo was awarded the prize for her ‘Three Glass Objects’ in polychromos pencils. After making his first choice, Roger went on to mention Olga Houghton’s ‘Golden Chrysanthemum’, oil on linen, followed by Deanna Reavley’s watercolour of ‘Tea Cups’ and finally Jane Larkin’s ‘Still Life with Glass’, digital art and prints.

You can find out more about Haslemere art society at www.haslemereartsociety.co.uk