October is Arttopia

Despite the uncertainty that hangs over every event, planning for the Tauranga Art Society Art Expo has proceeded with the expectation that it will go ahead from 7th to 10th October at the Tauranga Boys’ College gym. This will be the third year at this venue, which is spacious and has no shortage of parking.

The Art Society has more than one hundred members and the exhibition covers a wide range of media and subject matter. This year the Supreme Award has the theme ‘My New Zealand’. Jackie Knotts, one of several members living in Ōmokoroa, chose ‘Return of the Godwits’ as the subject of her lino cut.

The Art Society invites other art and craft groups to participate in the show, as part of the Society’s inclusive philosophy. Opening night numbers may yet have to be restricted to 50, but during the day the venue’s size allows plenty of room for social distancing.

The standard of work improves each year and there are new members exhibiting for the first time. Artists will also be selling cards.

There will be a sufficient time gap to avoid being ‘artied out’ as Labour Weekend 22nd, 23rd and 24th October is when Ōmokoroa Artists hold their annual exhibition in the Settlers’ Hall. As in previous years, the exhibition of artists work will be in the large hall. The smaller hall will have artists working, activities for kids and a stunning display of wearable art. This year there will be a ‘tiny art’ section, as well as the varied subject matter and media of members’ work.

The Ōmokoroa Artists group is a long-established integral part of the Ōmokoroa community with a growing membership. Their annual exhibition is an opportunity for work to “come out of the closet” and be shared, admired and - even better - bought by local residents.