Co-op has to draw a line under art venture

A gallery run by youth for youth is closing its doors next month after four months of art shows, kids' art classes and just getting together and making art.

The Ones with Pencils is an art co-op based on Kerikeri's Cobham Rd and run by volunteers who are mostly still at school.

Even its older members are almost all in their teens.

As well as showing and selling work by budding Kerikeri artists, the volunteers run after-school classes and holiday activities for children.

Co-op member Ella Lawrence-Donaldson, 18, said the gallery's success had been far beyond her expectations.

"We feel very proud of what we've done. We're sad we can't keep doing it, because we love it."

Lack of funding to cover rent and other expenses was one reason behind the closure, as was volunteers' difficulty balancing work in the gallery with school and other commitments.

In the upcoming school holidays, co-op members would hold a last series of daily activities for children up to 12 years old, ranging from a knitting club to papier-mache and sock puppets.

In the final week, from April 29-May 4, all artwork would be reduced by 20 per cent.

Ella said it wouldn't be her last time in a youth-oriented art co-op, and she would use what she had learned from The Ones with Pencils to make a future gallery even better.

"I love it. It's just what I want to do.

"I love seeing people who are new to this world, who haven't held a paintbrush before, let loose to create and discover themselves."

Ella said members also used the space as a studio, finding it gave them far greater motivation and inspiration than working at home.

They were grateful to the Kerikeri community for the support and encouragement they had been shown.

The gallery also received a $1500 grant from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board to help pay for rent and power.

Work currently on show includes paintings, drawings, photography and a mural created by Matt Worthington at the recent Ocean and Orchard festival.

The hours are 10am-4pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am-12.30pm on Saturday. For the school holiday schedule, see theoneswithpencils on Facebook, email theoneswithpencils@gmail.com, or call/txt 021 082 71940. Holiday classes cost $10. The final day is May 4.