The Northart members’ summer exhibition is currently in the gallery. If you haven't seen it yet, get down to Northart before the 13th of this month and do so.

It is a fascinating collection of art works and one that so clearly demonstrates the extraordinary breadth of talent of artists who live locally (and some slightly further afield). Participants include artists as well-known as Garry Currin, Sharon Vickers, Anne Riethmaier, Rosemary Theunissen and John Nicol and there are many others who have been painting (and exhibiting at Northart) for many years, as well as those who are just starting out. 

Another not-to-be-missed show currently in the gallery and closing at 4pm on Wednesday 13 March is a fundraiser for Northcote College. Works by students, tutors, former students and supporters  - Jessica Douglas, Patrick Malone, Peter Collis and Sharon Vickers among them - have submitted works. Proceeds from the show will go towards the costs of a school art trip to New York.  

‘Off Broadway’ opens 5pm – 7pm on Sunday 17 March. Do join us. Katie Theunissen, Yvonne Abercrombie and Benedict Keeley, who are having one -person exhibitions, graduated from Auckland art schools within the past five or so years, while Dominique Baker graduated a few years earlier. 

They are joined by Orion Mabelle and Mark Whippy who are having a joint show of life drawing.

Dominique Baker’s works relate directly to her dual Māori/Japanese heritage. "I like to combine imagery of native flora and fauna of New Zealand such as the tūī and kōwhai with traditional Japanese Geisha wearing Māori korowai (cloak). When I was young my mother had Japanese trinkets and ornaments on display … particular objects I found beautiful were her Japanese dolls with their porcelain white skin and perfect make-up. More recently I [have been] influenced by bird life around my studio in Dairy Flat. My style is a mix of painting and carving. First, the image is painted in acrylic then, with the use of Japanese steel chisels, intricate patterns are carved/etched directly in to the plywood frame." This is her first exhibition at Northart. 

Yvonne Abercrombie’s works, too, are autobiographical. "We are what we paint," she explains. "We are conditioned by mental stabilities and instabilities. My painting process is a tangible way of disabling the mind’s preoccupation with anxiety, insecurity and disillusionment. It is a means of restructuring identity and facilitating self-acceptance. My practice is immanent to the female condition and concerns the pursuit of self-defined contentment."

Also on view is Northart’s annual XIV Stations of the Cross exhibition. Installed in the gallery windows, it is viewable 24/7.

For details on Gallery Time for Kids and Movie Nights, go to www.northart.co.nz or contact the gallery.