When sculptor Simone Jacquat moved to Whanganui, she was hoping to make connections in the art world.
"In one strike, I made connections with 10 artists," she said.
Ms Jacquat, who moved to Whanganui from the Hokianga five months ago, is the newest member of Fine Arts Whanganui collective, based in Taupo Quay.
She moved to Whanganui because of its affordability, its history and its arts community.
"I was looking to make connections with galleries here, so I went into Fine Arts Whanganui and showed them my portfolio."