Unfortunately, although Art at St. Nicholas got off to a marvellous start, it was not to continue. In February 2000, Ipswich Borough Council unexpectedly received an offer for the building which had been empty for many years prior to the Art Society's involvement. They accepted the offer. Although the Society could have insisted on remaining for the rest of the short-term lease that had been agreed the previous year, it was decided that the resources of the Society were better used in other ways and the building was relinquished immediately. Saint Nicholas has been taken over, together with the adjacent Churchgate office block, by the Diocese of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich and is to be used for conferences, exhibitions and administrative purposes.

	Sculpture Kate Reynolds"
	Red Pears Judith Foster Oil on canvas, 60cm x 90cm

Gill Thomas took over the chair from Myra Finch in September 1999. Her particular policy is to re-establish the Society's old links with Ipswich School of Art, which has now evolved into the Department of Art and Design at Suffolk College. Many of our members have attended classes at Suffolk College and a considerable number have been or are tutors there. She is also concerned to strengthen our existing links with Christchurch Mansion. Works by our members past and present have been exhibited there both in the Wolsey Gallery and in the Room Upstairs. Work by our members forms a significant part of the Collection at the Mansion, and at the Wolsey Gallery we all benefit from being able to see exhibitions known throughout the country for their excellence. Our three institutions, the Art Society, Suffolk College and the Mansion all offer varied arts opportunities in the district and collaboration enriches all.

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