Arts Central reinvented the Easter art exhibition this year, following a multi-year break. It has a new venue, The Gate Events Centre, and a new fresh, sleek look.
PK Maracin, co-chair of the event, says that visitors were surprised at the contemporary feel and spent some time viewing the creations.
“There was a positive vibe in the room,” she says, adding, “Visitors were reading the exhibit cards accompanying each piece, learning about the artist and their works.”
Fellow chair of the event, Victoria Dawes, says, “It was a great privilege to be able to work and learn from so many members of Cromwell’s creative community throughout the process of organising the ACE’22 exhibition. I was especially delighted to work with multiple artists that have never exhibited their work before.”
Victoria adds, “A huge thank you to PKay Maracin who worked tirelessly in all aspects of the exhibition, and to the Arts Central council for hosting the exhibition.”
Just over 40 artists submitted to ACE, the 100+ artworks representing many divisions: paintings, photographs, illustrations, wood work, textiles, garments, quilts, pottery and jewellery.
Jo Ryan (Oturehua) won Best in Show with her gorgeous hand-woven and dyed shawl-wraps.
The inaugural OCTA Gallery award for new emerging artist went to Howard Krieg (Cromwell) for his pop-art, comic illustrations. They were delightful, with a laugh-out-loud wit about them.
Exhibitor Megan Huffadine, says, “It was great to participate in such a well-organised show. The display systems, while minimal, were effectively used in the space. It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to showcase the wide range of artistic practice that is happening in the Crowell area and for the locals to get to see this. I hope that this becomes an annual event for our community.”
Artists and public are invited to submit and attend ACE’23 to be held now annually over the Easter weekend. Arts Central is planning an Opening Night event, and hoping for more artists to enter, and people to attend. The round-about road works was a hurdle this year but there will be clear sailing for the future!
