A Packed Evening Full of Laughter and Surprises
The night was wonderfully busy, with so much happening:
- A quiz that tested everything from art knowledge to quirky trivia (with plenty of laughs along the way).
- A raffle that added excitement and raised funds to support our upcoming events.
- Time to simply chat, catch up, and meet new members — something that often matters as much as the painting itself.
We owe a huge thanks to Karen Frost, whose brilliant suggestion to take part in the Eco Fair in Carshalton is already shaping the year ahead. It's ideas like this that keep our group fresh, relevant, and connected to the wider community.
Celebrating Creativity: Our Awards
No CANDWAG evening would be complete without celebrating art, and this one was no exception.
🏆 The "Painting I'd Like to Take Home" Competition
This ever-popular prize went to our chairperson Rosie, whose work captured hearts and imaginations across the room. It's always a tough choice, but her painting stood out for its originality and beauty.
🌿 The Stuart Sibley Award for Best Plein Air Painting (Summer 2025)
This year's award went to our brand-new vice chair, Simon. And no, it wasn't a fix — just a well-earned recognition of his plein air work during the summer months. The award is named in memory of Stuart Sibley, celebrating not only artistic skill but also the joy of painting outdoors and connecting with nature.
Moments like these remind us why local art competitions in Wallington and Carshalton are such an important part of our programme — they bring out the best in us and honour the creative spirit of our members.
Looking Ahead: The 2025/26 Programme Year
This first social evening was more than just a get-together; it was the launchpad for our entire September–July programme. And what a year we have in store.
Our calendar is filled with:
- 🎨 Art demonstrations in Wallington by talented guest artists.
- 🌳 Plein air painting sessions in Sutton and surrounding areas.
- 🏛️ Exhibition opportunities to showcase member artwork.
- 🌱 Community involvement including the exciting Eco Fair in Carshalton.
- 🎯 Skill-building workshops covering various techniques and mediums.
Mark your calendars! Our Autumn Exhibition 2025 will be held on September 13-14 at All Saints Church, Carshalton as part of London Open House weekend. We're already planning an incredible showcase of member artwork. Follow our journey with #CANDWAGAutumnExhibition and #opencity_uk!
Community Connection Matters
What struck us most about this evening was how naturally conversation flowed between long-standing members and newcomers. Art may bring us together initially, but it's these moments of connection that keep our community strong.
Whether discussing techniques over coffee, sharing stories about creative challenges, or simply enjoying a good laugh during the quiz, these interactions remind us that CANDWAG is more than an art group — we're a community.
Supporting Our Future
The raffle wasn't just about prizes (though there were some wonderful donations from members!). Every ticket sold helps fund our guest demonstrations, maintain our equipment, and support community initiatives like our participation in local fairs and exhibitions.
It's this community spirit that allows us to keep membership affordable while offering high-quality artistic experiences week after week.
What's Next?
As we move into the new programme year, we're excited about:
- The Carshalton Eco Fair - Thanks to Karen's suggestion, we'll be showcasing how art and environmental awareness can work together.
- New Member Welcome Sessions - Making sure everyone feels included from their very first evening.
- Enhanced Plein Air Programme - Building on Simon's award-winning outdoor work with more locations and techniques.
- Community Partnerships - Strengthening our connections with local schools, councils, and environmental groups.
Join the Fun
If this evening sounds like your kind of community, we'd love to welcome you to CANDWAG. Whether you're interested in the art, the social aspect, or both, there's a place for you at our table.
Our next meeting is Thursday at 7:30pm at Holmwood Hall (behind Wallington United Reformed Church). Come for the demonstration, stay for the conversation, and discover why we've been South London's friendliest art group for over 75 years.
Contact us:
📧 carwalart@gmail.com
🌐 www.candwag.co.uk
📍 Thursdays, 7:30pm, Holmwood Hall, Wallington
Here's to a year filled with creativity, community, and plenty more evenings full of laughter and surprises!