Te Ahu show comprises very mixed media indeed

Valma Shanks describes herself as a hobbyist who began nurturing her artistic talent five years ago, and who enjoys working with mixed media.

The collection she has mounted in the Art Space at Te Ahu in Kaitaia is evidence of that, her acrylic and resin on canvas works featuring elements ranging from flax, seed pods, word and music sheets to maps, lace, shells and beads.

This was her biggest exhibition yet, she said last week, although her work has been on display for some time at Birdie's Cafe in Kaitaia and at the now defunct gallery at Cooper's Beach.

On the opposite wall of the Art Space is a collection of works by Beatrix van Blerk, most of them watercolours, leaning towards land and seascapes, with a child's portrait, a still life or two, a large view of Times Square, Piran (on Slovenia's Adriatic Coast) and a South African vineyard for good measure.

All works, which will remain on display until the end of the month, are for sale.