Group art exhibition showcases vibrant local talent at Tairāwhiti Museum

Artist Veronika Lambert stands in front of two of her paintings with Gisborne Artists' Society deputy chairwoman Teressa Matthews at the The Gisborne Artists, Potters & Photographers Exhibition at Tairāwhiti Museum.

The richness and quality of artwork now on display at the Gisborne Artists, Potters & Photographers Exhibition at Tairāwhiti Museum is testimony to the good health of the local arts community.

More than 100 artworks were submitted to the Gisborne Artists’ Society, and painter Margaret Hansen was tasked with selecting 84 of the best to go into the exhibition.

“Space is at a premium, and I really wanted to showcase some of our artists who may be less well-known in town and more well-known nationally,” Hansen said.

She also wanted to “balance that with the established faces and new artists, art forms and new energy”.

The Gisborne Artists’ Society was formed in 1955 and includes artists and print-makers.

“We have a lot of new members, which is great, and a few artists exhibiting for the first time in this group exhibition,” says painter and Gisborne Artists’ Society member Veronika Lambert.

But the exhibition is broader than that, also including the best work from the Gisborne pottery and photography clubs.

The combined exhibitions began in 1976 and one artist, Barbara Norman, has contributed for 66 years - since she was 19.

This show is the pulse of local creatives, who gather in their collectives to support and devise ways of fostering a particular mode of art practice.

More than 50 artists take part in the group exhibition each year, made up of the work of the core groups - the artists’ society, potters and the camera club.

At the rear of the museum is the Lysnar House studio, which has become a focal point for all group activities, workshops and the general cultivation and sharing of skills and knowledge.

The spaces within the complex are set up with equipment and working areas to accommodate the groups.

By becoming a practising member, artists are encouraged to make use of the studio facilities and contribute to the yearly group exhibition.

“It was a huge privilege to be asked to select for this exhibition. I walked into Lysnar House and went, ‘Wow!’ The vibrancy, quality and diversity were apparent,” said Hansen.

Painters Justine Hawksworth and Holly Thomas are just two of the artists and new members of the Gisborne Artists’ Society who have work in the exhibition for the first time.

All work is available for sale.