Waihī holiday makers looking for a piece of local art will have plenty to peruse, as the Waihī Art Club puts on their annual summer exhibition in January.
The free event, scheduled for January 4-7, will be held at the Waihī Beach Community Hall. Around 150 artworks of all sizes, topics and mediums will be available for sale.
Club president Noela Mockford said the group was excited to share their work with the public.
“We’re more of a social group, most of us are self-taught,” Noela said.
“[So] we all get a thrill when someone picks one of our paintings out of everything else that they like the best.”
The club’s 25 members meet every Thursday at the Waihī Bowling Club. Inks, pastels, canvases and paints are spread out among the tables, and everyone gets down to the serious business of creating. Although their work is individual, there is a lot of collaboration as the artists ask for opinions, offer feedback and just generally cheer each other on. This is what they love most about the club, the members say; the relaxing, supportive, family-like environment.
“Sometimes you can be sitting here painting and there’s no noise at all, other times it’s like being inside an aviary,” Noela said.
“We’re all our own worst critics, every one of us. [But] we care about each other … We get together for shared lunches and a Christmas dinner. It’s my happy place.”
DETAILS: The Waihī Art Club’s Summer Exhibition, January 4-7 at the Waihī Beach Community Hall. Doors are open 9.30am-4pm. Free entry; eftpos available.
