Gallery celebrates Christmas

ART & SOUL

05 Dec, 2022

The annual Christmas Members’ exhibition opens on Friday at the Mangawhai Artists Gallery in the heart of Mangawhai village.

The exhibition showcases work from more than 25 local artists and includes unframed prints, paintings in oil, watercolours and acrylics, photographs, ceramics and mosaics. Unlike most exhibitions at the gallery, the Christmas exhibition is ‘cash and carry’, meaning the purchaser can take the work with them when they buy it, rather than having to wait for the end of the exhibition.

“The works are relatively small at less than 405mm square which means it’s easier to find wall space for the piece you fall in love with,” says Wendy Leach, from Mangawhai Artists. “The aim of the exhibition is to profile the talent of our creative artists – as well as providing the community with the opportunity to start or add to their art collection. With most work priced less than $300 and several items less than $100 the work is affordable and accessible.”

For those new to Mangawhai, the Mangawhai Artists Gallery is located in the centre of Mangawhai village, next to the Library Hall and opposite Bennetts. The gallery, sporting a distinctive ‘M’ logo, hosts fortnightly exhibitions throughout the year. The 2022/2023 exhibition is fully booked through to June 2023.

Registrations are now being sought for the following season opening in August 2023, running through to June 2024.

Down the road and round the corner, a mini exhibition of four artists’ work is on display in the reception area of the Kaipara District Council.

“Artists Linda Gilbert, Grace Cheng, Jocelyn Friis and Edie Chappell each have a distinctive and captivating style,” says Philippa Murray-Aynsley, coordinator of the mini exhibition. “Their art is pensive, joyful, dramatic and uplifting – and fosters a welcoming atmosphere in the busy reception area.”

The art is on display to the end of March when a new display will be presented.

Linda Gilbert creates vibrant, abstract art using acrylic paint, digital media and printmaking processes. Grace Cheng has used a combination of hand drawing and digital drawing to depict the joy of spring. Jocelyn Friis works in acrylics and encaustic (burning in colours as an inlay) medium, bringing abstract expressionism to life in the exploration of her world. Edie Chappell uses an intuitive layering technique without a preconceived idea of what an artwork will look like once finished.

n Christmas Members’ Exhibition is open daily from 10am to 3pm from Friday December 09 to midday Wednesday December 21 at Mangawhai Artists Gallery, 45 Moir St.

Cash and carry exhibition: Artist Kay Airey with Flowers and Leaves ceramic wall hanging.