Art teacher’s exhibition
Taylor Jensen Fine Arts in Palmerston North is hosting
New Works on Paper by Willie Docherty from August 25 to September 15.
William ‘Willie’ Docherty is Head of Visual Arts at Palmerston North Boys’ High School. Entitled Changes the exhibition consists of 24 new paintings on paper derived from a series of landscapes previously exhibited by the artist.
“These new works share the same starting point, the New Zealand landscape, ever changing and permanent and the New Zealand skyline constantly in a state of change,” Docherty said.
This exhibition is Willie’s first solo show at Taylor-Jensen Fine Arts. Previously his work has been included in the biannual art exhibition of the Manawatu¯ Art Teachers Association.
Docherty was born in 1953 in Glasgow, Scotland on January
8, a date he proudly shares with Elvis Presley, Stephen Hawking and David Bowie.
“On my first day of school I met a boy in my class whose birthday also fell on the same day,” The artist said. “We both shared the same passion for art. When you grow up in Glasgow you need an edge, a point of difference, and we made art ours.”
Docherty holds a BA (Hons) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education with Distinction. In addition to being HOD Visual Arts at Palmerston North Boys’ High School he is also a Housemaster at College House, the seven-day boarding facility at the school.
“Bowie sang about Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes, which inspired me to use Changes as the title of this exhibition.”
Docherty is also a poet and a fan of Robbie Burns. He has recently written: “We take a leap of faith, into the great unknown. We destroy in order to recreate. There are personal tales that change our direction, our destiny.
A reception to honour the artist will be held on Saturday August 25 from 1-3pm at Taylor-Jensen Fine Arts, 33 George Street, Palmerston North.