SOCIETY OF INDIAN MARINE ARTISTS – SIMA

The Society of Indian Marine Artists (SIMA) was formed in 2001, following the workshops conducted by Mr Robert King, Member of the Royal Society of Marine Artists, UK, who was invited to India by the Indian Maritime Foundation (IMF). The workshops were conducted by Mr King at Mumbai in association with the JJ School of Arts, and at Pune in association with the Nag Foundation. The response to the two workshops by participating artists was immense and spontaneous, and SIMA was born as a sister organization to IMF.

Over the years since it was formed in 2001, SIMA members have taken part in several workshops at locations near the sea and water-bodies around Pune, such as at Mumbai with the Indian Navy, NDA Khadakwasla, Alibag, Alandi, Lonavala and so on. Several Exhibitions have also been held annually to showcase the seascapes painted by SIMA artists, at Balgandharva Kala Dalan, Empress Gardens, Art 2Day Gallery, etc.

Membership if SIMA is open to all who are interested in marine art. Entrance Fee Rs 200. Renewal of membership annually in April – Rs 100. In 2008 there are about 100 members.

The events of SIMA are planned and conducted by its Managing Committee which meets once in two months at the IMF office. The present committee members are as follows :-

OYSTER is the bi-annual news-letter of SIMA. The latest issue, Volume 9, No 1, was published in February 2009 and copies were sent to members. Next issue is due to be published in February 2010. The Editor of Oyster is Mrs Dipti Chitnis, who took over from Mrs Surabhi Nag , the founding editor, in 2006. Sadly, Mrs Nag passed away in 2007 and she is sorely missed by SIMA.

The last Junior SIMA Exhibition was held in Nov 2009.

The next SIMA Exhibition is schuled in February 2010.