Events Calendar

PASTEL ARTISTS BRINGING THEIR CREATIVE BRILLIANCE TO ALEXANDRA

Pastel Artists of NZ will hold their Annual National Exhibition at Central Stories Gallery, Alexandra, from Saturday 5th April to Sunday 4th May. Every year, their flagship exhibition is held in turn in the North or South Island. This initiative spreads their paintings throughout areas which might not have the opportunity to view such a range of subjects and different application of this historic painting medium.

Favoured by Degas, Monet and their contemporaries, soft pastel has proved itself a timeless expressive art material, enduring down through the centuries.

Pastel Artists of NZ (PANZ) was formed in 2002 in Blenheim, along the lines of similar groups in the USA and Australia. Pastel artists from all over NZ belong to their growing membership, with tutors available for workshops including Patearoa artist and NZ Master Pastellist Julie Greig, who regularly teaches her pastel painting techniques at the Maniatoto Arts Centre in Ranfurly. See her website www.juliegreig.co.nz/classes for details.

With assistance from the PANZ Committee, Julie has been working on the organisation of this Exhibition and accompanying Convention for over a year, encouraging pastel artists from all over NZ to visit stunning Alexandra and the wider area in Autumn.

PANZ are bringing Australian Master Pastellist Tricia Taylor over to teach her Autumn Glory Workshop prior to the Convention. Tricia is one of the judges of the exhibition, along with artists Neil Driver of Clyde, and Nicola Bennett of Alexandra.
Following Convention, Invercargill Distinguished Pastellist and PANZ President Lyn Henry will run her workshop Playtime Sketchbooks. Fascinating speakers for the Convention include Nicola Bennett and Janyne Fletcher, Multi Award winning photographer of Ranfurly, with Sir Grahame Sydney entertaining as guest speaker at their Saturday evening dinner held at The Finery, Alexandra.

For more information or to join PANZ, visit www.pastelartistsnz.co.nz.

Location

Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery

21 Centennial Ave, Alexandra