Ewen Stratford and friends to show work at Whanganui Arts Centre

Richard Reading, Ewen Stratford and Aaron Potaka with Stratford's work The Cliffs of Rainbow Valley inspired by a trip on the Ghan train. Photo/Bevan Conley

Some of My Favourite Things is the title of a group exhibition due to open at Whanganui Arts Centre next week.

Ewen Stratford booked both the front and back galleries at the centre for his own show and invited other artists to supply some of their own favourite works to the show.

Twelve Whanganui artists answered the call and some names are familiar, while others are new.

Aaron Potaka and John Singleton are two familiar names showing their work and Singleton will be exhibiting some of his pottery for this show.

After a stroke left Stratford with paralysis on the right side of his body, he began painting with his left hand and has been developing his technique for the past few years.

A number of the works he has chosen for this exhibition are scenes of Australian landscapes inspired by a trip on the Ghan train which runs between Adelaide and Darwin.

The artists joining him for the show, which opens on August 10, were given a broad brief to contribute works that gave them enjoyment, deliver a message, have special significance or represent a personal passion.

Some of My Favourite Things opens at Whanganui Arts Centre, 19 Taupō Quay, on Friday, August 10 and will be open for viewing from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 1pm Saturday until August 17.