Art society calls it a day as call for new committee fails
Oban Art Society has made the difficult decision to dissolve the group and distribute any assets to other like-minded bodies over the next year.
The call was made at a special general meeting on Friday January 13, when it became clear that the society did not have the necessary personnel to continue, with previous committee’s officers, all longserving, having resigned and no nominees coming forward to take their places.
The group had hoped to put on one last exhibition but sadly, due to the current coronavirus pandemic, this too could not happen.
In a statement to members in the society’s April newsletter, OAS chairman John Peterson, who had just began his term in office, said: ‘It saddens me, especially as I am new to the area, to find these circumstances and I take over the chair as the society ends.
‘However, I am very much aware that the society has achieved a lot over the last 50 years and perhaps has achieved the aims behind its creation.
‘No less, I’m sure the connections and friendships it has helped build will endure.
‘I wish to express my thanks, which I’m sure you will all echo, for the work and commitment of all those who have supported the society over the years in whatever way.’
Mr Peterson and the others present at the meeting agreed to oversee distribution of the society’s assets, until exhausted, to a body (or bodies) that have similar objects to the society.
‘Four will be in this new panel, with me as chair, with three considered quorate to make decisions on the society’s behalf,’ added Mr Peterson.
‘There is no reason to pay your subscription other than to potentially support the body or bodies who may apply for funding.
‘It is too late to contact everybody who pays their membership subscription by direct debit. If you wish to cancel then please do so and contact your bank.
‘If you pay by cheque or cash; by all means do so as before. All monies will be accepted and used to support the object of the society until all funds are allocated. It is very unlikely that you will be asked to or even be able to pay again as we expect the society to cease to exist during the next year.’
The new committee have been tasked with distributing the assets/funds of the society to a body (or bodies) with similar objectives to those of the society.
The object of Oban Art Society is stated in its constitution as: ‘To encourage the study, practice and knowledge of the visual arts in Oban and the surrounding district, and other educational, artistic and cultural purposes connected therewith.’
With that in mind, the society is inviting expressions of interest from any such body, nominated by any existing member(s), in receiving a share of the funds.