‘Living room’ for artists opens
A new art space catering for increasing numbers of people wanting to explore their creativity, has opened in a city courtyard.
The new Studio On The Square in Palmerston North, set up with help from a Central Energy Trust grant, now occupies the former Arts Recycling Centre, which had been at the Square Edge Community Arts Centre since 1992.
The Green Hub’s Yvonne Marsh said the recycling centre was rebranded as the Art Recycling & Dezine Centre in 2016, but lack of funding, declining patronage, staffing issues, costs and low returns had seen a new use for the space arise.
‘‘We started holding art classes there 18 months ago, and in that time we’ve had 499 people through our programmes.’’
Marsh said it became apparent there was a huge demand for a ‘‘recreational alternative’’ where increasing numbers of retired people, as well as newcomers to town and those unemployed, could mix, mingle and paint.
‘‘With the numbers wanting to take part in classes, the studio is a much better use of the space,’’ Marsh said.
‘‘It’s another city ‘living room’. As a city we’ve got to look at finding places where people can get together and do things.’’
Studio On The Square opened on Wednesday. Its specialist tutors offered four 10-week modules throughout the year from introductory to advanced, and included children’s programmes.
Additional art workshops held during the year would cover topics such as oil painting, Japanese painting, portraits, life drawing, and survival tips for artists. Tutors included notable artists Philip Holmes, Naga Tsutsumi, Georgia Lambert and Frank Callear.
Books and DVDS had been donated to start an arts library.
‘‘Not everyone who wants to paint has room in their home, or can afford a studio. This space means they can come in and paint at their leisure, and work alongside other artists,’’ Marsh said.
Studio On The Square offers two membership options, for $100 and $50. For information visit studioonthesquare.co.nz
"As a city we've got to look at finding places where people can get together and do things." Yvonne Marsh, Green Hub