28th October 2007
Minutes of the last AGM - 15th October 2006
At Beaumont Hall Studios, St Albans
Those present: Colin Ballard (Secretary), Paul Ballard, Ken Clarke, John Keedwell, Barry Tyler, Russell Crew-Gee, Ben Davies, Chris Christoforou, Mike Crawley, Rik & Gina Franks, Colin Cooper, Steve Ray Knight.
Apologies: Many members emailed to state that they could not attend, including Pam and Darren from Slipland whose car broke down on route.
The secretary, Colin Ballard, opened the meeting at 1.00pm with thanks to everyone for attending. The first order of business was to read out all the comments made and issues raised by those members unable to attend, but who wanted to take part. Issues raised were then discussed within the main body of the meeting.
The toilets at Beaumont Hall Studios are a major issue and it was agreed that this matter be given top priority to ensure suitable toilet facilities are available on site as soon as possible. Suggestions from the meeting included organising a temporary toilet block as an interim measure, organising a caravan which could also double up as a changing room and shower for use on event days, obtaining contributions from members to help pay for the new toilets, a dedicated weekend to be set aside to build the new toilets with members and volunteers helping out wit the construction and finishing work. The toilet fund currently stands at £315 and any donations would be appreciated.
It was felt by the meeting that more members are needed to come forward to undertake demonstrations on Guild Event Days - there are many excellent people within the Guild who may be able to put on short demonstrations and they should contact the secretary to discuss any ideas they may have. It was also felt that the opinions and views of both members and visitors as to what they would like to see on event days should be sought. Other suggestions for event days included the staging of an 'amateur day' where any member or visitor could bring along an example of their work and be judged by the Guild members attending the event, similar to the successful Russian camera shoot held by photographer Stephen Van Scoyoc several months ago.
It was also suggested that the Guild could hold seminars and 'how to' style workshops which would seek to add new skills to members portfolios. Events are to be planned each month in advance in order to try and raise media interest and obtain more publicity out of them.
The use of the studios for hire was discussed and it was agreed that the hall needs more photographic equipment and artists materials. Once these are in place the studios can be hired out for photo shoots and art classes. It was agreed that the barn looked a lot better now it had been cleaned and tidied.
There were a number of negative comments concerning the Guild's Aphrodisia exhibition largely concerning the lack of the promised website. It was felt that despite this the exhibition itself had been a reasonable success and had helped to make the barn a better looking venue. It is now a priority that the long awaited Aphrodisia website goes online as soon as possible.
It was agreed that there would be no increase in membership fees for 2008-2009. But it was felt that the package of Guild benefits needs to be better communicated to members. It was also agreed that the Guild should look into ways of increasing other benefits such as legal representation, full cover insurance, legal advice about copyright and that there should be an increase in the benefits for overseas members. Those who live and work abroad are unable to take advantages of the full range of benefits as their UK-based colleagues. The Guild is to investigate what can be done to improve this situation. It was pointed out that although there was to be no increase in fees, it is these fees which meet the running costs of the Guild and the Studios. It was agreed that having the Studios as a base and event venue was a good thing.
The raising of funds was discussed and among other suggestions for creating additional income were increasing membership, especially Patrons, hiring out the Studios and staging external exhibitions. All of these are to be investigated further.
After a six month trial, it was felt that the Steering Committee was not that important to members and will be scrapped. However it was agreed that the Guild should hold regular six monthly review meetings to monitor progress on agenda items. The next review meeting will be in April 2008.
It was agreed that the Book of The Guild was an important venture for the Guild and that the process for the second volume would start at the Xmas Event Day on 16th December. It was felt that the Guild should review the types of exhibitions that it exhibits at and which it supports.
The secretary was asked to obtain details of the Affordable Art Fair events, and also to look at other possible venues. It was agreed that the Guild needs members to actively source possible venues and third party exhibitions, as well as possible overseas exhibitions. It was agreed to continue exhibiting at the main events such as Erotica, ETO, The Adults Only Show and The Xpo.
It was felt that there need to be more outlets for selling members' artwork and the website www.beaumonthallstudios.com is to be used to sell original artwork. The secretary is to organise this by the end of the year.
The Guild also needs to increase its 'brand awareness' and it was agreed that a clearer message and vision was needed in magazines and the media. Chris Christoforou has agreed to contact Christies regarding both exhibitions and marketing opportunities. But it was felt that members need to be more actively involved in marketing the Guild and themselves - it was remarked how few recent interviews with members which have appeared in the media have mentioned the fact they are members of the Guild. It was felt members could be more proactive in this regard.
A DVD of Beaumont Hall Studios and The Guild Events is currently under production and will be available shortly. It will be a fifteen minute sampler, with camerawork by Patron Colin Cooper, Ken Clarke and Sarah Scotchman. The soundtrack will be composed by Chris Christoforou, and the cover artwork will be created by Ray Leaning. An initial 100 copies are being produced and these will be used to market the Guild. To help meet the costs of production it was agreed that some copies will be available to Guild Members to purchase for a nominal amount (details to be announced). If the project is successful, more copies will be made available. It has been a time consuming project and thanks were given to those members who gave of their time and creative skills free of charge to ensure the project came to fruition. Colin Cooper has offered to make himself available to all members to record them at work as a way of marketing themselves and the Guild.
The rather radical move of a name change was discussed. The title of the Guild of Erotic Artists has caused a few problems since its conception and many members feel that the word 'erotic' is conjuring up entirely the wrong image of what the Guild is all about. It was agreed at the meeting that the name be changed to The Guild of Sensual Arts. The secretary is now putting this proposition out to the members for their comments and views and would liked feedback as soon as possible as there will be a lot of work to be done if the change in name goes ahead.
Thanks was offered to all those members who took time to vote and air their comments in the recent survey which covered all areas of the Guild, the results of which can be downloaded by clicking here. In one area in particular the results were surprising, in that 21% of members commented that the website was not updated swiftly when they had asked for changes to their pages. The secretary wishes to make it clear that the webmaster (a volunteer) has always updated web pages within hours of getting the information - day or night - and any delays in getting the information onto the site were entirely the fault of the secretary for which he apologises. All areas of concern will be looked into over the coming months and each matter addressed where necessary.
The meeting closed at 6.00pm with thanks to all those who contribute to making the Guild what it is, and with a promise to look into getting a Guild Awards scheme up and running, hopefully in 2008.
The barn is already undergoing major refurbishment in order to accommodate and exhibit new work to its best potential. Artists are asked to submit a maximum of five of their best representative artworks to this gallery exhibition at a cost of £3 per piece (this minimal charge will go towards the refurbishment of the barn). Every piece proposed for exhibition will be featured on the Guild's Exhibition website for maximum publicity. Selected artworks will also be hung in the show for the duration of the exhibition (proceeds of any artworks sold will go to the artist with a commission of 20% towards Beaumont Hall Studios and the Guild of Erotic Artists). It is likely that a maximum of 2-3 pieces will be selected for exhibition in the Barn, with preference given to new work that has not been featured at the Barn before.
Any artworks already featured (and paid for) in the Barn will automatically be considered for inclusion in the gallery exhibition (though artists are welcome to substitute these for alternative artworks) and the submission fee waived.
Artworks will be selected for inclusion in the exhibition by a panel, and will be chosen to represent quality and variation in style, content and genre. In the first instance, please submit works via electronic format (images by email) to:
GuildGallery@gmail.com
including the following information: Image: (jpeg, bitmap, etc by attachment) Title: Size: Classification: (Photography/Sculpture/Painting/Digital Artwork etc) Style: (Contemporary/Classical/Fetish etc) Price: (Total price; remember 20% commission is taken from this for any works sold). Short description of piece: (approx 20 words) Short biography of artist: (approx 20 words).
The deadline for submission of artworks is 27th May. Please have all artworks to be considered for inclusion in the gallery submitted by this date!
Payment for submissions to be made to Colin Ballard, (Guild secretary) by PayPal - (chballard@tiscali.co.uk) or credit card (tel: 01582 791661 for credit card payments) or by cash in person. To be received by submission deadline 27th May.
Artworks selected for inclusion in the gallery exhibition must be present at the gallery and hung by the 17th June. Members will be responsible for framing (if required) and hanging their own artwork, though setting will be supervised by gallery directors.
We are asking members with existing works exhibited in the Barn who wish to exchange these for alternatives for submission to the show, to do so before the deadline. Please collect any artworks not intended for gallery use by 17th June. Artworks not collected by this date which are not used in the exhibition will be stored in the Barn, but will not be on view during the exhibition.
'Aphrodisia' will be treated as a professional art gallery launch. Selected erotic artwork will be featured, and as such submissions are open to non-Guild members as well as Guild members. Although new work from guild members is very much encouraged, we will be inviting submissions from artists outside the Guild for a £20 submission fee for up to five art-works.
The intention of this gallery exhibition is to improve both the quality and quantity of membership. Renovations are already underway to Beaumont Hall Studios, and we are very excited about the new look and possibilities these present!
Please remember the deadline of 27th May for submission of artworks to the gallery! Once received, all submissions will be acknowledged and assessed by 27th May. Deadline for the delivery of new works and removal of old ones is 17th June. We are excited about the potential this art gallery launch has for both members, prospective members and the art world alike, and we look forward to seeing your submissions!
Guild Steering Committee
Minutes of AGM - 15th October 2006
At Beaumont Hall Studios, St.Albans
Present: Colin Ballard (Secretary), Paul Ballard, Ken Clarke, John Keedwell & Karen, Dave Davies, Richard Trebilco, Alex Treacher & Kes, Barry Tyler, Silvee, Ros, Geoff Payne, Ledgie, Leigh & Zena Perkins, Russell Crew-Gee, Phil Illingworth, Ben Davies, Ian Wood, Claire De Lune, Graham Bishop, Roger Harwood, Andy Howard, Richard & Julianne Paris, Lee Jones, Helen McNeil.
Apologies: Pete Rigsby & Jen. Many others emailed to state that they could not attend.
General: Colin Ballard (Secretary) opened the meeting and thanked everyone for attending. In his opening he introduced fellow Founder Members, Ken Clarke and Paul Ballard.
Skin Two: Ken Clarke commented on the speed and professionalism of the setting up of Skin Two which we took part in last week it is up to all members of The Guild to participate and innovate in order to promote The Guild and ensure that they gain benefit from it. Paul Ballard stated that Skin Two is a self-indulgence show and art does not really sell there. However, as the cost is very reasonable, it is worth it for the advertising. We must always look on the positive side. Believe in yourself and what you do. Colin asked for feedback regarding future Skin Two exhibitions and all were agreed that it needed pre-planning and the organisers need to get more involved in what we do.
Guild Membership: Currently standing at 152 everyone agreed on the fee's remaining as they were. Since the initial increase we have lost about 40 members but they have been replaced with new members and the number has remained constant. Asked whether we would have lost them anyway, irrespective of price increase, Colin said probably. Continuing with the 4 levels of membership, Full, Associate, Patron, & Models. Discussed whether we could reward members who give over and above what is expected of them, and The Guild Awards should be re-instated. It was discussed that The Guild needed a spokesperson that would be a press officer, and Event Organiser. Agreed that we would take nominations of said person.
Models: Not enough use made of Guild Models. Discussed methods of paying models as each member has different ways. Proposals: 50% split on proceeds of sales, or joint ownership options. Decided that this is down to each individual and the model. Suggested Student Models to encourage membership, but was voted against. Would continue at current level. Proposed a register of models and responsibility would rest with the spokesperson/Press Officer. To encourage new models, we need a list of payment options and the type of work that they do. Models should get paid when doing a demonstration at Event Days. This could be a collection at the start, or to be agreed beforehand.
Demonstrations: Cameras at Event Days should not be used, only by agreement with management. No more free for all. When a demonstration has been set up on an Event Day or Exhibition, the demonstrator is the one taking the photo's no one else apart for Archiving. Suggested that after the Event day, if the model wants to give her time for an open shoot then this would be acceptable. It was noted that Dave Davies does most demos and this should open up to others. Richard Trebilco has supplied backdrops and lights that can be used by other photographers. Discussed life-drawing demonstrations on Event Days, as they are quite popular, and could be done during the whole day.
Hire of Studios: Suggested a Camera Club and Studio Hire to bring money into the Studios. Also discussed Life Drawing Classes. Colin suggested that the plans for Studio Hire has always been there, but we never had the equipment in the past. Future hire will be set at £50 per half day and £80 per day. Members can use the Studios for a nominal £20 per day. Life Drawing Classes have already been advertised for the past year on the Register of Models Website, every Tuesday evening. No one has taken up the offer. Chris Christoforou offered tutored life drawing classes on a Saturday late year; no one took up the offer. Colin will now pursue local advertising to encourage life-drawing classes.
Displays at Beaumont Hall Studios & Revenue: Colin stated that we need more work displayed at The Studios and suggested that any member can apply to have their work on display. The fee would be £1 per month per item up to A2 size and 15% commission. It was discussed that we need a re-think on the way the Barn is presented. Suggested a Gallery Setter. Also Themed Exhibitions. All agreed that the work needs to be changed periodically and not remain static for a long time. Each member is responsible for the changing of his or her work. A discussion and vote about keeping Beaumont Hall Studios as a base for The Guild. 100% agreement that we keep the Barn. However, it was noted that 90% of the visitors to The Barn on an Event Day are Guild Members, not general public. Colin to investigate ways in bringing more public in. Many ideas discussed on raising revenue; Ken suggested when charging visitors on an Event Day, they get there entrance fee returned if they purchase a piece of artwork. Richard stated that the Catering does make the visitors stay and that brings in some money (25% of takings - avg £60-£80 =£15-£20) Leigh said that we need sponsorship. We have been on the Sponsorship UK site since inception, no takers. Colin has also applied to The Arts Council but it is only for new projects. He also stated that the Barn needs a minimum of £850 per month to cover running costs. Leigh reiterated that The Barn/Guild must be run as a business and on a professional footing.
Marketing: Dave Davies suggested strict guidelines as to the type of publicity and way that The Guild is presented.
Steering Committee: It was suggested that a steering committee should be formed. All in agreement and that it should number seven members. Leigh Perkins and Ros offered their services in this. It should be formed to help prepare for specific events. Agreed that an email should go out to every member to encourage applications and that the Founder Members would select the applicants if there were too many.
JADE: The question of was Jade magazine a good addition to The Guild? Concerns were made about image quality and some content was inappropriate for The Guild. It was suggested that we need to get more involved to change the direction. It was also mentioned that some of the images looked amateur and needed to be more professional. The question was asked 'are the images in Jade what subscribers want or what are chosen to give them?' Colin said that the 8,000 subscribers bear testimony to that. Colin reiterated that Jade magazine does not belong to the Guild and Ken mentioned the fact that more members should offer to put their work in to it. Colin also mentioned that as a part of the Jade's committment to the Guild, the website was built and is maintained on 24/7 basis free of charge and that when an amendment needs to be made, it is done immediately. Where else could The Guild get support like that? To round it up, we would continue with Jade.
Future exhibitions: It was put forward that The Guild would qualify to exhibit at 'Art for London' and 'Affordable Art Fair' and should look at that for next year. It was suggested that The Guild is not selective enough when doing Guild Exhibitions. It is normally a matter of who wants to exhibit and pay. Colin said that the Guild does select by way of the voting system when new members are elected to join. Also suggested that we need to work in advance to prepare works that are suitable for exhibitions. This would only apply to Guild exhibitions and could not in practicality work on third party exhibitions i.e. Skin Two, Erotica etc. Suggested that the Steering Committee would do the selecting. Alex and Kes to get costings for Affordable Art Fair.
Vote of Thanks: These were given firstly, to Ian Wood, for attending each Event Day from Darlington and also that he picked up 29 boxes of back copies of Jade magazine from Scarborough and brought them down to The Barn. Also for taking down the minutes of this meeting. A real credit to The Guild. Secondly, thanks to Mark for donating the Jade magazines to be sold by us to raise revenue for The Guild. Thirdly thanks to Geoff Payne for his continuing attendance and archiving all details, press releases, editorials, photographs etc of The Guild and exhibitions and allowing visitors and members to see what we are doing. And lastly to Colin, for holding everything together on a voluntary basis in his spare time. Offers to take over his post were not received!
The meeting ended at 3.00pm.
Photographer George Bond-Knotaxis is currently exhibiting some of his art nude prints in the Art Encounter Art Gallery in Las Vegas. They can be seen by clicking here.
Leading artist Paul John Ballard is currently tutoring the Guild's Tuesday evening life drawing classes at the Studios. Entry is open to all Guild members and the fee is £20 per session, which includes tea and coffee. Sessions begin at 6.30pm and end at 8.30pm each Tuesday evening. For more information please contact the Secretary by clicking here.
These classes are still in their infancy and Secretary, Colin Ballard, is inviting the input of Guild members on how these can be progressed.
The available space for exhibiting at the Studios has been swallowed up quite quickly, so there is now a waiting list for members wishing to put their work on display. Again, members should contact the Secretary, Colin Ballard, for further details.
Overheads have risen dramatically since we started, and although we have held the cost of membership to the Guild since conception we may have to increase it this year to cover costs. The only way to postpone any increase is to increase our membership. Colin will be preparing an active campaign to encourage artists, photographers, sculptors, lifecasters, and anyone else connected with the industry on a commercial basis to join us. You can all do your bit to help as you all know people in the business - put their names forward and Colin will contact them. We will of course vet everyone who wants to join, as we don't want our standards to slip, but we will also encourage prospective members who have the enthusiasm and who wish to join for the right reasons.
Looking further ahead, the Guild is looking to promote and sell Guild Merchandise, both at the Studios, and at exhibitions and online. Ideas from members will be most welcome, and although we have a merchandising company working on this project, we would still like input from you.
Every member can do their bit towards promoting the Guild - provide information about the Guild and the Studios to your local papers and radio stations; even invite them down to meet us. If you have a media contact and would like Colin to speak to them, please let him know.
