Artist elected president
STEVE Evans from Wolverhampton has been elected as the new President of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA), taking over from Wayne Attwood.
Steve is anticipating being busy in his new role. He said: “Firstly, we are intending to embark on a refurbishment project to enhance our gallery in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. That has been brewing for some considerable time but we should be starting in March 2022.
“Secondly, we will be carrying out a review of our Constitution with a view to diversifying the range of artists in the Society and who exhibit with us in our open exhibitions.
“These are both rather large tasks and the Constitution will likely lead to some lengthy discussions!”
There will also be an exhibition celebrating the role of women in the RBSA. This is set to coincide with the Commonwealth Games in the city and will mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
Steve’s own work is informed by his background in structural engineering and is rooted in his interest in architectural detail, space, the way that shape and form provide stability and the effects created by the superimposition of lines.
Charity
The RBSA is an artist-led charity which supports artists and promotes engagement with the visual arts through a range of exhibitions, events and workshops. It is one of the oldest art societies in the UK, officially founded as the Birmingham Society of Artists in 1821, although it traces its origins to the early 1800s. It received its royal charter in 1868.
Past presidents of the society have included Sir Frederick Leighton, Sir John Everett Millais, Lawrence Alma-tadema, Sir Edward Burne-jones, George Frederic Watts, Sir Aston Webb, Frank Brangwyn, Charles Wheeler and William Bloye.
The gallery is in the Jewellery Quarter, at 4 Brook Street, off St Paul’s Square, and opening times are 10.30am to 5pm, Tuesday to Saturday. The RBSA Photography Prize Exhibition runs until October 16. For more information visit www. rbsa.org.uk