Artist Spotlight: Celebrating Local Arts Organizations

Welcome back to our fortnightly arts column!

This week, I'm taking a slightly different approach to shine a light on one of our area's most established and respected arts organizations. Rather than featuring an individual artist, I thought it was time to celebrate the Torbay Guild of Artists – a group that has been nurturing and showcasing local talent for nearly six decades.

I spoke with Susan Cavaliere, Honorary President of the Guild, to learn more about this remarkable organization and its fascinating history.

The Story Behind Torbay Guild of Artists

The Torbay Guild of Artists was formed by a group of artist friends in 1967. The inspiration and founders were Derek Urban and his wife June, both accomplished artists. The friends included David Poole. It was a small group and together they organised fund raising events, for example coffee mornings. Eventually enough funds were raised to employ a carpenter to make enough free standing hanging boards.

The membership started to grow and these included local artists and friends, one of these was a local celebrity of the time called Topline Broadhurst, Mr & Mrs Hall and Elizabeth Bovill, and trophies were donated to the group in their names.

Around this time in 1967 the group formed a committee and the Torbay Guild of Artists was made into a formal group. The Spanish Barn was the best venue to launch the first exhibition, so it was agreed that this should be the place.

Over the years the membership has steadily grown with artists and makers from in and around Torbay. There was a period that the Guild could not afford to hire the Spanish Barn, so for a few years the exhibition had to move to Furrough Hill Church hall in St.Marychurch. An annual exhibition during the peak of summer was held and trophies were awarded for outstanding work.

A Special Anniversary and Return Home

The TGOA 50th Anniversary was fast approaching so the committee at that time, included Derek Urban (President), David Poole (Chair), Jane Christian (Secretary), Susan Cavaliere (Treasurer) and Martin Dutton SWac, pushed for a return to the Spanish Barn and were successful in securing the venue in time for a special 50th year exhibition.

The Guild's new committee decided to try and remain at this iconic venue, so organised an Open call exhibition to boost the membership and joint ventures with Devon Art Society and Brixham Art Clubs, so the Spanish Barn once again became the home of Torbay Guild of Artists.

During recent years Torre Abbey has been undergoing renovation, so in 2022/3 a small exhibition was held at the Little Theatre and a special trophy exhibition was hosted by Artizan Gallery in Fleet Street.

The Guild Today

Over the years the Guild has steadily grown the membership and now it is always around 100 artists and makers. Membership has formed from painters, potters, sculptors, mosaics and textiles. The members are a mixture of professional established artists and those who are retired or hobby artists. But all members are selected for the quality of their work as the Guild membership must be of exhibition standard.

Their recent exhibition at the Spanish Barn (11th-19th October) was another success, showcasing the breadth and quality of work the Guild is known for, with the annual trophies awarded to outstanding pieces.

The current committee consists of Becky Nuttall (Chair), Julian Hargrave-Wright (Treasurer), Diannah Lowry (Exhibition Secretary), Peter Blakesley (Membership), Susan Cavaliere (Hon.President), together with Rhian, Lee, Sue, Peter and Tracy who are working to maintain the Guild's presence at the Spanish Barn.

Joining the Guild

The process for becoming a member is first contact Peter Blakesley at blakesleyp@gmail.com. Six images are requested together with the application. If accepted an annual fee is required.

The Guild offers the members at least one exhibition each year for which an entry fee is asked, also stewarding time is expected. The trophies are awarded each year: June Urban Memorial Cup, Elizabeth Bovill Trophy, Cavaliere Cup, The Hall Plate and the Torbay Guild 3D award, these are supported with two Highly Commended for each trophy.

What strikes me most about the Guild's story is the dedication and community spirit that has kept it thriving for nearly 60 years. From those early coffee morning fundraisers to today's prestigious exhibitions, it's a testament to what passionate people can achieve when they come together around a shared love of art.

To follow the Guild and stay updated on their upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/TorbayGuildOfArtists.

If you'd like to be featured in our Artist Spotlight series, know of an upcoming exhibition worth sharing, or represent a gallery we should visit, drop us a line athannah@print2wall.co.uk