Amateur artists put on show

An exhibition of paintings by a group of amateur artists will be on show at the Whangaparāoa Library from July 26 to August 8.

The Friday Art Group meets weekly at the Ōrewa Community Church.

Coodinator Alan Smith, a retired school principal, says some of the artists have been painting on and off for their whole lives, while for others, painting is a new hobby.

“The group is an opportunity for people from all walks of life to share a common interest in art,” Alan says. “It’s a friendly and supportive group. We have a lot of fun.”

While some guidance and instruction may be provided from some of the more experienced group members, the weekly get-togethers are not intended to provide structured art lessons.

The upcoming exhibition will be the second one organised by the group. Although the idea was to hold them annually, Covid forced the cancellation last year.

About 20 artists are expected to contribute up to 40 artworks, many of which will be for sale. These will range from abstract and still life paintings to portraits, landscapes and everything in between.

Alan says it has been interesting to see how the mood of Covid-19 has come through in many of the paintings.

The Friday workshops are held every week from 9am to noon, and new members are welcome.