Keen artists tap vein of rich talent

North Shore people make the most of their skills.Valerie Schuler reports
One of the poorest areas of the North Shore has a surprisingly rich vein of creativity just below the surface.
That vein has been tapped after community interest fell away over the use of a public venue. A few artsminded locals stepped in and set off a small, but intense, creative explosion.
One of the many to benefit is Barbara Chappell. Rather than slowing down in her retirement, the Beach Haven resident has discovered a whole new colourful world. The 68-year-old recently took up painting and is also learning to play the double bass.
''I've always wanted to do these things and felt quite cheated that I didn't get to do them earlier in life,'' says the Lancaster Rd resident. ''But better late than never.''
Mrs Chappell spends hours creating magic in the little studio her son built in her back yard. Rainbows of colour decorate the walls. The faces of grandchildren and other relatives peek from vibrant landscapes.
''I can't go for more than a couple of days without painting. It's addictive,'' she says.
Until recently, Mrs Chappell had little to do with other artists and an exhibition seemed out of reach. But through Haven Art, a new group run at the Beach Haven Community House, she's been able to showcase her talent and meet like-minded people.
She says she is amazed at the number of arty-crafty types who live in the area. ''People think of Beach Haven as the North Shore's poor relation, but it's not. It's a real creative hub.''
Last month, Mrs Chappell and the rest of the group exhibited in the community house's annual art show.
''It was so inspiring to see my own and other people's work up on the wall. We are not professionals, but we all share a common passion,'' she says. Indeed, the show was so successful, the community house decided to change its focus to a more arts oriented centre.
''The house itself is not as busy at it used to be,'' says coordinator Graeme Wright.
''A lot of the people that used to come along have got older and don't come anymore. Ideally, we'd like to attract some young people back.''
The plan is to run a wide variety of classes and to invite speakers to the art club's monthly meetings.
''We don't want to look at art as just painting, but as all types of art: writing, dance, poetry and music. We'd also like to encourage the various ethnic groups in our area to participate with their own unique art forms and introduce that to the wider community,'' says Mr Wright.
But the changes won't happen overnight. The house will still be available as a drop-in centre and community groups will continue to have open access to it.
? More info, ph 483 9942 or see www.havenart.co.nz.