Art House opens its doors

Professional artist Mandy Thomsett-Taylor and husband Glen Taylor left Auckland just over three years ago to live permanently in Mangawhai and have not looked back.

“I had been teaching at UNITEC, on the Visual Arts degree, since 2000 specialising in painting and drawing,” says Mandy.

“Sadly the entire Visual Arts degree was restructured, culminating in 55 academics losing their positions. A combination of this occurring and the reality of an empty family home in Auckland and our two adult children no longer residing in New Zealand we jumped at opportunity to create our very own project here in Mangawhai and it has been quite a ride.”

They have completely renovated an old cottage and have built a professional large art studio that Mandy uses for her art practice and more recently as a teaching venue.

“It feels so great to be sharing what I know and love outside of the restricted academic arts regime,” Mandy adds.

Her classes are small, very focused with lots of laughter and good food thanks to magnificent shared lunches together.

Mandy has a background in food, from styling to catering, so finds it a great pleasure to spend all day making and talking about art then relaxing at lunchtime, indulging in healthy delicious food.

Her course is perfect for students who have little experience and for people that want to kick start their practice.

Mandy also travels to Matakana a couple of days a week to the magnificent Vivian Gallery, which displays her work alongside a range of highly respected contemporary New Zealand artists.

To those who have not yet visited the gallery, it comes highly recommended.

“Anyone interested in attending or just discussing my classes please do not hesitate to contact me – I love to share what I do and I love meeting people who are passionate about art.”

n Contact mandytt@xtra.co.nz

SHARING: Mandy’s classes are small, very focused with lots of laughter and good food.