The Society of Women Artists Exhibition 2015

The Society of Women Artists

154th Annual Exhibition

5th – 13th June

10am – 5pm daily (final day 3pm)

Late Opening Thursday 11th June to 7.30. Bar Available

www.society-women-artists.org.uk

I am delighted to be exhibiting with the SWA for the third year running.

Founded in 1855, the society has had a unique history dedicated to promoting art by women. The Annual Exhibition at the prestigious Mall Galleries, showcases a stunning and eclectic mix of artwork in all media. The Society encourages variety and versatility and features some of the finest contemporary women artists from all over the world, thus sustaining a reputation for excellence.

The exhibition will be opened by the society’s patron HRH Princess Michael of Kent. If you would like to attend the private view on Thursday 4th June 10am – 8pm please contact me for an invitation (needed for gallery entrance on this day only).

This year I have two works in the exhibition one of which is my latest Graphite drawing, depicting a family friend in Salvation Army uniform selling the War Cry. It is entitled 'Heart and Soul'. I tried something a bit different with the background in this one, which I think gives the drawing more life.

© Bethany Y Milam

Heart and Soul
2015
Graphite on Fabriano Paper

Artwork featured on Street Pastors website

In 2014 I had the opportunity to walk with the Basingstoke Street Pastors as an observer; it was an enlightening evening and I am full of respect for everyone who feels able to serve in this way.  The experience gave me inspiration for my art practice and the resulting artwork depicts two Basingstoke street pastors in action.  While working on this drawing I had the story of the Good Samaritan running through my mind especially the passage: “Then Jesus said ‘which one of these three men do you think was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by the robbers?’ The expert on the law answered, ‘The one who showed him Mercy’ Jesus said to him then go and do what he did.”  Luke 10:36-37.

Street Pastors is an inter-denominational Church response to urban problems, engaging with people on the streets to care and listen.  It was pioneered in London in January 2003 by Rev Les Isaac, Director of the Ascension Trust, and has seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working. There are now some 9000 trained volunteers in around 250 teams around the United Kingdom.

A Street Pastor is a Church member with a concern for society - in particular young people who feel themselves to be excluded and marginalised - and who is willing to engage people where they are.  The role is about listening, caring and helping - working in an unconditional way.  BBC inside out video link

I was asked if my Drawing ‘Reaching Out – Street Pastors In Action’ might be used for the Basingstoke Street Pastors 6 year commissioning order of service. Where it was very well received.

The artwork is now featured on the Street Pastors website 

If you would like a photographic print taken from the original drawing, they are available for sale.  

A3 prints; unframed £10 and framed £30. (The overall frame size is approx. 44cm x 54cm).

Greetings Cards are also available, please enquire using the contact form on www.milamarts.org 

© Bethany Y Milam

Reaching Out – Street Pastors In Action

Graphite and Compressed Charcoal on Fabriano Paper

2014

102.4 x 83.3 (Frame Size)

Previously I have drawn a portrait of my mother in her Street Pastor uniform. Both these drawings have been exhibited in The Society of Women Artists annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries in London.  More details of this years exhibition to follow.