Putting the 'oh' into art

151014PBArtologists ARTOLOGISTS: From left, Andrea Perry, Val Grant, Jan Arnold (seated), Margaret Eades-Gilliver and Diane Stevenson. PICTURE: PAUL BROOKS

They call themselves Artologists - 14 women who have come together under the tutelage of Jan Arnold, studying art and preparing for an exhibition.
They are divided into two classes, meeting on a Monday and a Wednesday, and range from those who have recently discovered art to those well versed in its mysteries. The Monday class has been together for seven years.
Jan says they held an exhibition five years ago at the Community Arts Centre, but this time they have chosen the lesser-known Cooks Gallery, home of the Wanganui Arts Society, of which Jan is a member.
There will also be works on show from four students at Mosston School, where Jan teaches art.
Margaret Eades-Gilliver is in her third year of studying with Jan. She visited the studio during an Open Artists' Studios weekend and promptly put her name down for classes. "Step by step, she gets us going and it's thoroughly enjoyable." The class also takes the odd art appreciation trip, including a visit to Te Papa.
"We try to keep it on that social level," says Jan. "If you all enjoy each other's company, you get the results." The group often goes out for lunch together.
Andrea Perry professes a liking for colour. She's the newbie of the group, having been attending for just six months and discovering her "hidden talent".
"I just hate New Zealanders in black," she says. "And I'm learning so much from Jan - it's not just about how to paint, it's flowed over into my personal life." Everyone learns in their own way, Jan says. "Some people have to be shown every step, but they do learn and do develop." Diane Stevenson had never drawn or painted before joining the Artologists. When she tried painting at school her art teacher said it looked like icing on a cake, and that was the end of her efforts. "I came to look at Jan's studio and she convinced me to have a go. I struggle, but I enjoy it." And now they're about to exhibit.
"It's not the exhibiting that's scary," says Val Grant, "it's the fact we have to put a price on our work. Partly, I don't want to see it go, and partly, I don't want to ask for money for it.
"One thing Jan has taught us is we have to dig deep," she says. "We've all had to take ourselves that step further. Get your basics right and build from that." Val was one who visited Jan's studio and signed up for classes. She says learning to paint has been on her bucket list.
Jan sees art as something you can do all your life and it's especially relevant in such a supportive arts community as Wanganui. "You should share your art," she says.
¦About 80 paintings, as well as "bling" and mosaics, will be on display at the Artologists' Exhibition at Cooks Gallery. The display is open over the weekends of November 1-2 and 8-9, from 10am-4pm. Works are for sale.