Exquisite Gisborne artistry on display

Heart of the Sunflower — Photograph. By Kate Snow

This is the last chance to see the work of some of Gisborne’s finest painters, printmakers, potters and photographers in a group exhibition now on at Tairāwhiti Museum.

The exhibition is a carefully curated collection created by Gisborne artists whose work has gone through a selection process to be part of the showcase.

“The Gisborne Artists’ Society is a group of like-minded souls, who have a common purpose — to foster their Society members’ and the public’s appreciation of the visual arts and at the same time, to enjoy a camaraderie and share that common artistic interest, of what otherwise could be a solitary hobby,” says The Gisborne Artists’ Society chair, Graeme Nicoll.

Any person can join and the only selection is that of submitted artworks by members, for the Annual Exhibition held at the Tairāwhiti Art Gallery and Museum.

“The selection of artwork for this annual exhibition is made so we maintain a consistency of standard,” Mr Nicoll says.

“It is a great thrill to be selected, and then get the opportunity to have others see their work and have the chance, to even see their work sold.”

This year, the selection was undertaken by Dick Calcott — a now retired Gisborne art teacher.

The Society consists of  three main groups:  the Painters Group; the Printmakers; and the Pottery Group — all of whom are housed at the studios in Lysnar House.

The photographers were once part of the Lysnar House Studios, but because of spatial limitations, they have moved elsewhere, but are included in the annual exhibition.

“As a Society, all groups arrange regular workshops (for members and non members), and meet regularly for sharing our work and creation, eg printers and potters seem to always have someone working on their art in the studios.

“Small groups, such as our Wednesday (morning) Art Group meet weekly and we have recently started a weekly Art Connection night group.”

In spring and summer, they have Life Drawing sessions of 8 weeks’ duration, with both nude and clothed models.

Kate Snow from the Gisborne Camera Club said the club valued the opportunity to share its work with the community and to highlight its work — some of which has been successful on a national level.

Two of this year’s images have received awards in the past couple of months.