Art supporter takes time out

 

Mangawhai Art Inc (MAI) has gone through a reshuffle as three management roles became vacant due to multi-resignations.

President of the art group for three years and secretary-treasurer for eight, Jan Grover has decided to relinquish her leadership role to take more time out for her own artwork.

“I’m stepping down for some breathing space,” she says. “and to also give someone else with fresh ideas a chance.”

The highlight of Grover’s time as president was to see the Mangawhai Art Gallery become a reality after much long-time planning.

“As president, it’s been really interesting and challenging having to balance different ideas,” she says. “But very rewarding.”

Grover joined the Mangawhai’s art club after emigrating to Mangawhai from Auckland’s North Shore in 2008, electing for a fresh start after her husband passed away. Although the couple had owned land in Mangawhai, Grover moved into the area knowing no one.

“I have always loved Mangawhai so I joined lots of groups to get to know people like golf and gardening and of course the art club,” she says.

An active member for eight years, Grover has earned the reputation of being an ‘action member’, responsible for funding applications and initiator of the society’s website, gaining more scope and public coverage for the artists.

“We’ve also been working with council on setting up an art centre in Mangawhai. We’ve got the groundwork so it’s ready to go when the time is right.”

A computer programmer by profession, Grover worked in the male dominated field for 40 years, project managing and designing software for many large corporations including Air New Zealand and BP as well as an independent contractor. Her IT talents have also come in useful locally, writing software packages for MAI and the annual Walking Weekend.

Grover’s creative life began with pottery while living for two years in Townsville, Australia with her husband and children. Her painting skills and interest flourished when her neighbour, a painter, and Grover began teaching each other their different craft.

On return to NZ, she enrolled in a Fine Arts degree, became a member of the Mairangi Bay Arts Centre, trained with renowned NZ neo-impressionist artist Lance O’Gorman and proceeded to win several awards through her exhibits.

Her land and seascapes, portrayal of coastlines and water reflections, show Grover’s love of nature and inspiration from the years she spent sailing with her husband.

“I’ve always been drawn to landscapes but would like to become more abstract,” she says. “I’d also love to do portraits but need some time for training.”

For someone who has juggled many roles for a long period, adjusting to free time could prove tricky to embrace. The multi-tasker’s attention is still pulled in many directions including gardening, the Iris Club, golf and the company of Chinese golden pheasants, all named after royal family members, which she breeds from her home. With an exhibition booked at the Mangawhai Art Gallery in October, Grover is currently procrastinating on the 12 paintings required.

“I need a plan for work,” she says. “I guess this free time might take a bit of getting used to.”

n Mangawhai Art Centre’s new elected president is John Pickworth, secretary Brenda Adams, with no one yet appointed as treasurer.

MULTI-TASKER: Action woman Jan Grover is taking a bit more time to concentrate on her own art, including a local exhibition in October. –

PHOTO/Julia Wade