Omokoroa has been a well-known location for artists to gain inspiration as well as ideas due to our spectacular scenery with includes: sea and land-scapes, bird life, nature – just to name some of the triggers that lead to creativity.
The Omokoroa Artists is a collaborative membership community for adults to develop their artistic skills. Artists of all abilities come together each week to practice, share and learn about art. Different mediums are used depending on individual preferences – from watercolour to acrylic, pastel to pencil and much more. With a growing male and female membership, the Artists have been gathering each week on a Wednesday from 10.45 AM until 3.30 PM in the Large Hall for over 25 years to draw, paint, sculpt and create their own art projects. In doing so, members learn from and are inspired by others. When displaying works to each other, feedback is gained which improves skills. Several artists also run workshops exclusively for OA members.
To encourage members to develop their skills, the Group has a library of art books and resources. Optional monthly fun challenges are also given whereby Artists create works according to a given theme.
The Small Hall is also utilised for “Have A Go” art workshops aimed at people in our community (often complete beginners) to try their hand at different art types and techniques. This has proven to be a great way to encourage people to try out art and perhaps become new members of the thriving OA Group. These public workshops are advertised on via OA’s Facebook page and in local newspapers.
In keeping with tradition, the Omokoroa Artists Exhibition returns every year over Labour Weekend for their annual Art Exhibition which is extremely popular and successful at the Settlers Hall. Most members (there are about 25-30 Omokoroa Artists) will be supplying one to five pieces of art each. All works will be for sale. Every year’s Expo is hugely varied and demonstrates art in a wide range of forms – corrugated iron, drawing, mixed media, water colour, sculpture, cards, clay work and even surrealism is thrown into the eclectic mix displayed. This Expo is an excellent opportunity for Artists to engage with the community as well as showcase local art and artists. Smaller or specific medium art exhibitions are held at TOLO.
For further information, please contact: Karin – email: baysyoa@xtra.co.nz, telephone: 07 548 1787 or Jill – email: prettylloydjill@gmail.com, mobile: 021 408 660
