Chairman gets chance to meet artist
Last month’s community day at the Northland Regional Corrections Facility (Ngawha Prison) was an especially memorable occasion for Turner Centre chairman John Law, who was finally able to meet the man who produced a pencil drawing (of a dolphin) that he bought at a charity auction, and now has pride of place in his new home.
Mr Law, who addressed the assembly of inmates, visitors and staff, said he was had been aware the drawing was an original, but had not known the identity of the artist. He later discovered that it was the work of an inmate at Ngawha, and was delighted to find that he was part of the community day’s performance by the Redemption Arts and Drama Group, and to have the chance to meet him.
Meanwhile, the programme included a performance of the play dedicated to Captain Harding Leaf (which has evolved since the Redemption Arts and Drama Group first staged it a year earlier), and a haka written and performed by the group.
The Redemption troupe, which also performed a number of original songs, recently completed a CD which is about to be released to raise money for charities.
The purpose of the day was also to give guests, including representatives of local organisations, businesses and iwi, the chance to learn more about the reintegration rehabilitative programmes at the prison.