Odiham Art Group
Odiham Art Group
OAG Exhibition 2026
Review
The standard of work this year was heralded by our visitors, and members alike, as outstanding and my congratulations go to all who contributed.
Exhibition Awards
This year judging was performed by Nathan Barker from the Jenner Burlingham Gallery, Kingsclere who awarded Merit Awards to the following artists:
Linda Wright - Scottish Spring – Watercolour
Dione Johnson - Marigold Stall in Jaipur – Acrylic
Christine Marsh - Nearly There Trees - Cyanotype on Cloth
Highly Commended awards went to:
Zoe Cox - The Lighthouse in the Storm
Liz Buckley - Golden Owl
Viv Cummins - Smashed Avocado and Egg on Toast
Suzie Gough - Caldey Island
Ann Grigg - Not just for Christmas
Judith Hinsley - Three Boats, Helford River
Nick Hithersay - Roupell Street, London
John Lewis - Mevagissey Harbour
Sheelah Lowndes - Calm
The Peter Adams, People's Choice Award;
Winner - Jayne Perkins - Shadows, Hampshire
Runner-up - Hilary Dancer - Manhattan Skyline & A Place That Remembers You
This year 64 of our members contributed pieces with a total of 280 art works.
38 pieces, including portfolios, were sold and 674 visitors attended the exhibition.
However, no matter how outstanding our artworks are without the skill and dedication of the Exhibition Team there would be no Exhibition to speak of. I would like to thank Chris Sharp, her team and our volunteer stewards for another incredible performance.
Charles Evans
Acrylic Workshop Review
Charles’ workshop didn’t disappoint. He did two demonstrations for us, one on watercolour paper, (he thinks it’s the best for Acrylic) and one on a canvas.
Charles guided us meticulously through creating our own acrylic landscape painting. Starting with … ‘slapping on the sky’ (Charles’ words), a quick tea break whilst that dried and then we drew our landscape in pencil. Daler Rowney would be mortified to learn that Charles’ pencil was from Ikea!
We painted the island and then the reflections of the lock. The water came next, followed by the waves and the foreground foliage. Lastly was the tree, which sent everyone in turmoil as we all thought at this point that we would ruin our masterpieces! But we went for it, under Charles’ encouragement that it would all work out for the best.
Charles signed the canvas he painted and once again very kindly donated it to our Christmas raffle.
OAG 2025 Annual Exhibition
Review
2025 was a superb year for our Annual Exhibition resulting in 41 sales over the three days.
Once again Chris Sharp lead her brilliant team and army of volunteers through a well rehearsed schedule to ensure that the both the Preview Evening and two days thereafter was a success on all fronts.
Stewart Beckett, a professional artist and regular demonstrator at OAG meetings, judged the Award of Merit Winners as follows:
Ann Grigg Preening Kingfisher
Patricia Harris Just Chilling
Amel Gembidge Asymmetric Vase
Also commended were Jillian Smith (Venice Scene), Alysoun Sanders (Seville Scene), Hannah Edwards (A splash of colour) and Hilary Dancer (Urban Echos).
The Peter Adams trophy for People's Choice Award
Winner: Ann Grigg Preening Kingfisher
Runner Up: Christine Sharp Towards Ingleborough
Preening Kingfisher
Just Chilling
Asymmetric Vase
Saturday 6 December
Christmas Meeting
Chris Fosey: Mixed Media
We chose this occasion to mark our 50th Anniversary as the Odiham Art Group and felt the occasion commanded champagne, cake and a commemorative gift for all members.
We were delighted to welcome a large crowd who, from comments made, demonstrated their appreciation of the efforts taken on their behalf.
Our Christmas Card competition had a huge number of entrants and although we were only allowed to select two prize winners the standard was exceptional.
In first place, was Liz Buckley with a stunning pastel and the runner up was Shirley Hazelton, a new member.
Shirley had a particularly successful afternoon as she also walked away with first prize in the raffle, an ink painting by Nick Stewart. Terry Hooper collected the second prize of an original painting by Charlie Evans.
Liz Buckley 1st Place Christmas Card Competition
Shirley Hazelton Runner up Christmas Card Competition
Raffle prize winners with Chris Forsey
Saturday 5 July AGM
OAG Committee Reorganise
2025 saw many of the current committee standing down after considerable years of support and commitment to the OAG. It cannot be underestimated how important the committee and the wider group of volunteers are to the success of the club and the AGM is the perfect time to show our thanks.
On behalf of the OAG I would like to thank the following members who are standing down:
Maureen Ashworth Chair
Mike Fox Programme Manager
Ann Grigg - Membership Secretary
Abigail Devenny - Treasurer
I would like to thank volunteers:
Jan Mabbot, Trish Kearney, Anne Morris - Refreshments
Peter Peacock - Video (live demonstration)
Nigel Honan, John Lewis, Nick Hithersay - room set up
I would like to thank:
Zoe Cox - Programme Manager new
Hannah Edwards - Treasurer new
Carol Mullis - Secretary new
Linda Wright - Chair and Web Manager
Christine Sharp - Exhibition Manager who continues in post
Before we close for the year we will be hosting our annual Exhibition managed by Chris Sharp and another fantastic team of volunteers who we couldn't be without. The Exhibition is open to all members but you must submit your entry form by Friday 25 July.
Ann Grigg, Mike Fox, Maureen Ashworth Linda Wright and Chris Sharp
Christine Francis, Hannah Edwards, Zoe Cox, Linda Wright, Carol Mullis, Chris Sharp
Saturday 5 July AGM
Demonstration: Pastels
Join us for a very sociable Annual General Meeting, followed by a pastel demonstration from Jayne Perkins.
Our doors will be open from 12:30 to ensure you can find a table to share with friends and drop off competition entries.
At 1:00 the AGM begins promptly where will review the clubs financial situation and say our thanks to parting members of the committee and welcome new members. All official business will end promptly at 1:30 in time to enjoy a free lunch with wine and soft drinks.
As normal, all members are invited to submit a favorite painting for our painting competition. Members can submit one painting and should provide a table top stand if available. Entries will be judged by members during lunch and prizes awarded following the demonstration.
The demonstration starts at its usual time of 2:30pm.
Joan Crawford in the 'Spotlight' ...
As many of you will know, Joan Crawford has been an active member of the OAG for more than 20 years. During this period, she has occupied almost every position on the Committee and regularly exhibited throughout the south of England. However, recent events have managed to take Joan a little by surprise.
Joan was delighted to receive the news that her career as an abstract artist had been warmly appreciated by the team at 'Artists & Illustrators' who shone the spotlight on her work, featuring her in July's edition of the magazine. During the interview, Joan discussed her path to abstract art and the joy it continues to give her.
Next month, Joan will achieve another milestone in her career when she becomes the first client of Gallery Thirteen to host a solo exhibition. She hopes to exhibit 25 pieces and is very excited with the opportunity to share her work. She describes her paintings as 'a form of communication that doesn't use words (that derives) from an inspiration from within.'
You can see Joan's exhibition from 13 June, Gallery Thirteen, Haslemere. For more information see Exhibitions
Later in the year, Joan will open her studio as part of the Hampshire Open Studio Programme.
Outdoor Sketching and Painting Days
May - September 2025
Jane Mackay, an OAG member, would be delighted if fellow members would join her on one or all of these 'Outdoor Sketching' days.
If you would like to take part Jane would love to hear from you, please email .
Tuesday May 20: Blackbush Airport
On A30 going east from Hartley Wintney. Meet at the Pathfinder Café which serves all day breakfast, coffee etc and has a garden which overlooks the airfield. Wander around car park to see lots of small aircraft and a path out onto Heathland.
Saturday 21 June: Sherfield on Loddon
Rural Village. Meet outside the village shop in the centre of the village. Plenty to see. Duckpond, pretty cottages around the large green, village pubs etc
Friday 19th September: Odiham Village
Meet by the church. Village houses, church, interesting doors and high street waiting to be sketched
Christmas Special
Despite the best efforts of storm Darragh, our Christmas Meeting was very well supported.
As befits the occasion we were able to share wine, mince pies and the usual teas and coffees with all our members who had braved the weather to join us.
A large number of paintings were entered into the 'favourite painting competition'. The entries were of their usual high standard and were very much appreciated by all members. First prize went to Jenny Kennish for a sensitive oil portrait and second prize was awarded to Annie Godwin for a warm interior study.
Maggie Jackson was our delighted raffle prize winner who was able to go home with an original water colour painting donated by Charles Evans.
