Almost like a real job ...

Our painters' group, Figure 8, had a good day today. We took some work to the Library Gallery and talked with the deputy curator.

It's a good gallery, with good lighting, display cases for sketchbooks and the like, and constantly passing public.

By the end of the meeting, we'd arranged a show there next January for 8 weeks. Transport of works is available courtesy of the Council van, all publicity will be handled and paid for by the gallery; they'll arrange a private view for us and pay for it (including the wine)

Best of all - and this is the first time I've known anyone benefit in this way, despite the Arts Council's recommendation - the gallery will pay each of us £100 as Exhibition Payment Right.

I think we all went home with spirits uplifted. All we need now is a show this year.