The Wanganui Arts Society is an age-old institution, but its new show is full of youth and vitality.
The Figure Show at the Community Arts Centre on Taupo Quay in Wanganui showcases portraiture by 16 members, young and old, of the 101-year-old club.
Painting dominates this visually eclectic show, which examines the
human body, both naked and clothed in a variety of poses and contexts. Gouache, oils, acrylics, watercolour, pastel, ink and charcoal works showcase a variety disciplines in a multitude of styles including photo-realism impressionism and semi-abstraction.
Frances Sim-Higgins , a prominent club member and water colours teacher, said the show, which the artists have been working toward specifically, highlights members' varying stylistic interests and their artistic versatility.
Mrs Sim-Higgins said the exhibition was one of several the club had held annually since its establishment by a group of Wanganui citizens, including Mrs Henry Sarjeant.
"The Wanganui Arts Society is a thriving hub of activity," she said. "We hold a portrait group, a life drawing session and a still life group each month and a painting group every Tuesday morning."
As well as these learning opportunities, the club holds critique sessions where members can bring in works to be evaluated by fellow members.
"We also hold monthly club meetings, which sometimes include guest speakers."
The former landscape gardener and lifelong art enthusiast said the society runs workshops for the public to have a go at being creative.
"Despite the fact that our club building in Cook's Gardens might be shifted to make way for the cycle centre development, we're still going as strong as ever," she said.
