Roof Work Starts in November at TAAG

Roof work starts in November at TAAG. Although the building is festooned with scaffolding, and is likely to be so for several months, we are definitely Open for Business.

During the next few months we have some terrific exhibitions and workshops for you, so don't be put off by the ironwork. Come in and check out what we have to offer, starting with the excellent Print-Practice-Production printmaking show, which is happening up to Nov 12th.

Don Pearson, Friend and Local Artist

Don Pearson passed away peacefully yesterday. He was part of TAAG for many years and an amazing supporter in lots of other ways. Don was a great cook, an experimental printmaker, wonderful to chat with, loved good coffee, and made us all laugh.

He will be sorely missed by everyone at the Wooden Spoon Press, at TAAG, and amongst the Teignmouth artist community.

Don is pictured above, chatting with Cheryl Watson.

Life at the Tidal Margin Exhibition at TAAG: 9-10 September

Mike Puleston wrote on Facebook about this excellent marine exhibition at TAAG:

“The Shores of South Devon Marine Life Association exhibited over the weekend of 9/10th September around 40 photographs, original artwork, seaweed pressings and a photographic "Sea Squirt" installation at TAAG gallery Teignmouth.

The "LIFE AT THE TIDAL MARGIN" event which was curated by Toby Sherwin, Anne Gwynn and Mike Puleston was part of the Weekend Teign Maritime & Shanty Festival which judging by the sheer numbers of people in Teignmouth was a great success in the hot weather.

Mike said "we had good numbers of visitors to TAAG both days, enjoying the art show which was a great mix of art styles and media from all the artists exhibiting.

SOSD had many interesting questions asked about the various species featured in our display and many people were amazed that the marine animals and Seaweeds featured were very local.

It was a great experience for Anne, Toby and myself to set up our work in such an excellent gallery, with opportunities to meet the other artists and many thanks to the Teign Maritime& Shanty Festival organisers for inviting SOSD and Douglas Anderson from TAAG for his excellent support and advice".

Although the SOSD exhibition has ended, the main exhibition continues and is a great opportunity to support local artists and the Teignmouth artistic community.

Mike also gave a talk at the Heritage Centre on the Sunday afternoon titled The Intertidal Marine Life of the Teign Estuary.

Find ‘The Shores of South Devon’ Facebook group here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/271873196811935/

TAAG Reopening Is a Great Success

TAAG finally reopened on Saturday 29 July. The ribbon was cut by the MP for Newton Abbot and there were representatives from all local councils at the opening ceremony. The gallery was packed with people keen to see the new layout and the work of over 80 local artists. An early evening artists’ view saw the numbers swell again, with the Mayor and Liz & Roger, two of the original TAAG founders, all expressing their happiness that TAAG was open once more.

TAAG Ground Floor Reopening Planned for July

We expect that the final work to finish the TAAG ground floor will be completed by July 2023. The photo above shows the progress that has been made, leaving only the fitting of carpets, doors and the final windows before we can reopen.

Watch our website and newsletter for upcoming exhibitions and workshops.

If you are interested in booking a TAAG space for an exhibition, check out the ‘Bookings’ tab at the top of the page and get in touch with us.

If you think you might like to run a workshop at TAAG, check out the ‘Workshops’ tab and get in touch.

TAAG Ground Floor to Reopen Summer 2023

TAAG was last fully open in January 2020. At that point we were preparing for Council demolition of the workshop at the back of TAAG, before we could buy the building for the community.

We obtained charitable status in February 2020 and, with the assistance of donations large and small, the building purchase was concluded in October 2020. However, during this time the country had its first lockdown and was about to have further lockdowns running into 2021. This greatly complicated our ability to progress required work and to obtain relevant permissions for repair and refurbishment.

Since then, however, we have fully surveyed the building, removed asbestos, obtained planning permissions, made numerous repairs, replaced the toilets and kitchen, added new structural girders, and greatly progressed the building work.

During this period we have been able to stage many exhibitions and workshops at both the Beachcomber and at TAAG itself.

The refurbishment of the upstairs will take longer than anticipated – largely due to the knock-on effects of COVID. We hope to obtain grant assistance but meanwhile still need to raise more money both to meet our running costs and to fund parts of the refurbishment that we had to curtail due to funding being cut over the past couple of years.

Thank you for your support in this difficult time. We now expect to be reopening the ground floor for exhibitions, classes, and a full range of activities in Summer 2023. We look forward to seeing you and to TAAG again becoming an activity hub for Teignmouth people and visitors.

Please do sign up for our newsletter to get the most up-to-date news.

If you are able to make a financial contribution to help us reopen in the Spring, click here for details of how to do it.

Thank you and Best Wishes for 2023 - The TAAG trustees

TAAG Refurbishment Progress Update Summer 2022

This is a short progress update as at summer 2022:

We finally obtained planning permission for all the necessary works last December, and were hoping to go on and get building regulation approval quickly so we could continue with the refurbishment. 

Since then, some further work has been carried out, but discussions with the structural engineer have taken longer than expected, delaying Building Control approval. However, most of these matters are now resolved, and we are in a position to progress the ground floor interior works - mainly ceilings, partitions, fire alarm systems, etc. We are also hoping that we can attract sufficient funds from smaller grant-givers to carry out some required work on the front elevation, possibly before we reopen.  

Refurbishment of the TAAG upper floors will require substantial grant assistance and we are monitoring grant-funding opportunities and pursuing applications as the opportunities arise. This work is likely to take longer than we anticipated pre-COVID and will probably have to be completed piecemeal.

Exhibitions have been continuing at the Beachcomber, which has provided a great space for workshops & local artists, and has maintained our profile during closure. The Beachcomber has also provided a steady source of income to help meet our running expenses. Unfortunately, the building is no longer available to us after September, as the Council has now leased the building as a cafe, and the works required to refit the building are starting in the autumn. 

At TAAG we expect that the outstanding ground floor works will be completed early in the New Year, although we would like to re-open for Xmas if possible, possibly for a pop-up exhibition/sale.

In the New Year, once the ground floor is reopened, we will reinstate Steering Group meetings to help guide the future of TAAG. We will also be looking for new, skilled, and younger, trustees to help take forward the TAAG project. 

We are grateful for your continued support. Local fundraising will continue to be important, particularly as our ability to raise money via Beachcomber is over. We now have a new Crowdfunder page (just search for TAAG CIO on Crowdfunder.co.uk) where supporters can make single or regular donations, or can use it to set up their own fundraising projects - Or just donate directly to us (link on front page). In addition, people will can contribute via Easyfundraiser (or Amazon Smile) and can donate their Nectar points to TAAG (again, links on the front page of our web site).  

If you have any queries, or wish to volunteer time or materials, please contact one of the trustees or email us at info@teignmoutharts.org. Meanwhile, we look forward to reopening the TAAG ground floor and to celebrating the reopening of TAAG with you, early in the New Year. 

Many thanks, the TAAG Trustees
September 2022

TRAIL 2021 Open for submissions.

Following another successful all be it a smaller sculpture trail last summer, TRAIL is pleased to announce that they are now inviting applications for sculptures made from recycled materials for the 2021 event. The event is held along the seafront in Teignmouth Devon. There is no submission fee, and as in previous years, a variety of prizes will be awarded in line with sponsors support. Applications are welcomed from individual artists, artist collectives, community groups and schools.

The TRAIL runs from 19th July - 26th September 2021. Closing date for submissions June 15th 2021

For further information, images of past TRAILS and details of how to submit your application visit https://www.trailart.co.uk/?page_id=2091 or contact trailartuk@googlemail.com

We look forward to receiving your application.

Image: Artist Gail Marshall 'Mermaids washing line'. Recycled hospital waste.

Image: Artist Gail Marshall 'Mermaids washing line'. Recycled hospital waste.

Eric Haynes 1919 - 2020

Sadly Eric passed away peacefully on 27th December at his home where, for the last few months, he had been cared for by his son Roy.

Many of you will remember Eric's wonderful 100th birthday party at TAAG during his one man show, 'Design Make Paint'

As a tribute to Eric we are compiling a record of his life in Teignmouth and would love to receive any photographs and special memories you would like to add.

Please email them to info@teignmoutharts.org and royghaynes@gmail.com

TAAG will be sending out more information on the arrangements for his funeral

Eric.jpg