The 2016 Local Art Show competition was supported by the Express & Echo with readers voting for their favourite. The exhibition is part of RAMM’s Naturally Inspired season of botanicals, gardens and landscapes and Exeter Art Week.
Gahan Oliver, group founder and mentor, said ‘To have won this highly prestigious competition is a wonderful reward for the members of Flying Colours, who have worked long and hard to develop and express our ‘inner voice’ through painting. This unique opportunity to share our vision and ideas with a wider audience in such a beautiful setting, is a thrilling prospect for all of us.’
Gahan started the group over ten years ago at the art college building in Newton Abbot. Since then the group has moved to Dartington and expanded to also meet at Bishopsteignton Community Centre, overlooking the Teign Estuary. The group meets weekly to paint and has exhibited in the TAAG gallery in Teignmouth and the Spanish Barn at Torre Abbey in Torquay. Members come from Teignmouth and the surrounding area, some as far as Exeter and Newton Abbot. They come are from all walks of life: the unifying factor being their love of art.
Flying Colours received the most votes out of shortlist of six other local art groups and societies: Village Art, Colaton Raleigh; Macula Collective, Exeter; Newton Abbot Art Group; Tiverton Art Society; 21 Group of Artists, Bovey Tracey; and Alphington Art Group, Exeter.
Previous winners are: Topsham Art Group (2015), Sense (2014), Hive Art Group (2013) and Fairstream Arts (2012).
RAMM’s Naturally Inspired season of botanicals, gardens and landscapes includes award-winning photography, botanical watercolours, contemporary landscapes, a garden in the museum, workshops, talks and tours.
For more information contact Gillian Taylor, Audience Development Lead, gillian.taylor@exeter.gov.uk or 07761546075; Rob Mackenzie, Marketing Assistant, on 01392 265317 or robert.mackenzie@exeter.gov.uk or Steve Upsher, Media Relations Officer, on 01392 265103.
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) is one of Exeter City Council’s flagship services. RAMM is also supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Stunning displays reveal Devon and Exeter’s rich history and global connections. Exotic animals, birds and insects delight children and a changing programme of exhibitions and events means there is likely to be something different to see on every visit. Free entry gives everyone the freedom to visit many times and to stay any length of time.
Awards and standards include Museum of the Year 2012, the Arts Council Designation Scheme, Devon Visitor Attraction of the Year 2012, Collections Trust Best Practice Award 2013, RIBA South West Special Award for Conservation and Building of the Year 2013, the Accreditation Scheme for Museums in the United Kingdom, Inspiring Learning for All, 2012 Silver Tourist Attraction Award in the South West and Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2015.
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum &Art Gallery is in Queen Street, Exeter EX4 3RX. Phone 01392 265858. Web: www.exeter.gov.uk/RAMM Email: ramm@exeter.gov.uk or www.facebook.com/RAMMuseum and twitter.com/RAMMuseum.
Free admission. Open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays and bank holidays.
Sign up for email bulletins at www.exeter.gov.uk/rammmail.
