The students were able to take their camera home with them, capturing images of their homes, whanau and school to showcase.
As I approached the gallery that evening I was greeted by a proud primary school boy who ran around the corner to usher me to the front door, explaining there was an exhibition of their artwork inside and I was welcome to help myself to a glass of wine.
"It's free," he explained.
At the top of the stairs I was welcomed by an elegant and graceful hostess in the form of my cousin, actually - Sacha Van Den Berg, a photographer and artist working on the project.
Closely following Sacha was Helma Van Den Berg, cousin, of Clearview Winery, there to support the occasion.
As I entered, the foyer was packed with children and family supporters.
I bumped into Mat O'Dowda, Kimi Ora principal, teachers and supporters.
Councillors were there also. Hastings Councillor George Lyons serves as a trustee on the school board.
Art Gallery Director Toni MacKinnon opened proceedings with an introduction to the exhibition.
Normally I don't get too specific with names in my columns.
On this occasion I thought it would be appropriate, however, because in my view all of these people are artists in their own right, in their own trades and forms, contributing to the occasion, which was an artwork in itself, to make it what it was.
We had the photographers, artists in the stricter sense of the term. We had artists in the form of business people who supported the occasion with the creation of their products and services.
We had the professionals bringing their knowledge, experience and ideas in their roles to collaborate to create this successful initiative and cause.
I think at times in society we risk relegating art galleries to realms only for the elite.
It was a breath of fresh air, therefore, to attend this event that turned the gallery into a space open and inviting to children - packed, noisy and exciting. Children from a demographic not typically acquainted with having their art showcased at a gallery.
This is kudos to gallery director Toni Mackinnon who, in her artistry, brought the community into the gallery, and took some of the gallery artists and staff out into the community - a feat she aspired to do when coming aboard as new manager a couple of years ago.
She recognised buildings could be quite foreboding places and believed in making an art gallery part of the community.
While this column is to recognise artistry in our community and to give kudos where deserved, the purpose also is to highlight that we have this asset and people available to our community and I encourage our community to check it out.
The gallery hopes to work closely with communities, marae and local organisations to build their offerings and programme to find new ways to connect with people.
If the artist in you has any ideas, the gallery staff will be willing to explore art with you or any organisation.
The new mantra is art for the people, to the people and with the people.
* The exhibition #keeponkimiora is at the Hastings City Art Gallery, Civic Square, Hastings, until Sunday, September 3.
* Jacoby Poulain is a Hastings district councillor, a board member of the Hawke's Bay District Health Board and is on the EIT Council.
