Artist Joan Grehan was one of the great achievers from Wanganui who went overseas as a teenager to expand her experiences.
Private gallery owner Bill Milbank yesterday paid tribute to the late artist at a special morning tea in the Sarjeant Gallery, where Mrs Grehan's paintings and ceramics from privatecollections are being exhibited.
Mrs Grehan's son, Oxford University Professor Martin Oldfield and wife Susan, came especially for the occasion.
In his discourse on Mrs Grehan's life, Mr Milbank told the small gathering that she was an exceptional artist.
While living in France, Mrs Grehan felt the need to return to New Zealand, and in 1996 she returned "home" to Wanganui and quickly engaged with the Wanganui community.
Mr Milbank said he was entrusted with the care of Mrs Grehan's estate and, of the exhibition, he said he had "unearthed many of the treasures we see around us".
"We have had very warm feedback. Joan was well-known and loved in this community."
Professor Oldfield said that yesterday was the first time he had visited the exhibition. "I thought, wow, this is magnificent, a wonderful achievement. I am sure, with her combative nature, she would be pleased."
He said the Sarjeant Gallery was important to his mother over the years. "She talked about the gallery when she was here and in France."
Professor Oldfield spoke of the Renaissance reference in the painting La Larme (The Tear), and "the contrast of the lady who is tearful and sad, and the cat that is furious". He has loaned the painting for the exhibition.
La Larme (The Tear), a painting on loan from Professor Oldfield's private collection.
Freelance graphic designer Joe Salmon has designed a book about Mrs Grehan's life, which is in draft form and close to being printed.
Mr Salmon said working on the book was a way to get to know an artist's body of work and to become familiar in intimate terms.
