The annual Gisborne Artists’ and Potters exhibition is the one opportunity artists and potters collectively have to show the residents of Tairāwhiti what they have been have been creating over the previous year.

Both groups have their own Facebook pages, which to a certain extent keep the public in touch with what has been going on, but there is nothing like seeing the finished art works in a well curated exhibition.

Stars of the show this year will include Jamie Quirk and Peggy Ericson of the Gisborne Pottery Group, both artists produce highly original , thought provoking pieces.

It is always a pleasure to see Roger Shanks’ atmospheric landscapes, and to see what new approaches Graeme Nicoll is taking with his landscapes. Janet Roderick has taken a break from oils and is becoming adept at using coloured pencils. Art society stalwart, Norman Maclean’s highly distinctive style and approach is always visually interesting and appealing to local art collectors.

The printmakers will be well represented too, look out for Ian McKelvey, a recent Molly Morpeth Award Winner and Amber Graham, an up-and-coming local artist who studies at Te Wananga o Aotearoa.

Artists enjoy producing art, but it is always gratifying when others view and appreciate the end product and even more gratifying when they decide to purchase a piece of original local art.

– Chris Smith, President, Gisborne Artists’ Society