Artists gaining strength in numbers

Local artists are being encouraged to emerge from their studios and join forces with other creative types by joining the Mahurangi Artist Network (MAN).

The group was formed five years ago and is best known for running its annual Mahurangi Artist Studio Trail, a self-guided tour held over two weekends in February where artists open their doors to show off their methods and masterpieces to the public. However, MAN members also get together regularly to network, inspire, support and learn from each other, with a range of activities and events including workshops, mentorship programmes, exhibitions and funding opportunities.

They also have a year-round trail directory, which gives members the chance to list their artworks and welcome visitors to their studios or galleries at selected times or by appointment.

The group covers a wide area from Puhoi in the south up to Wellsford in the north and all points in between.

Members range from artists and craftspeople just starting out to experienced professionals, and they work in a wide mix of media, including paint, glass, fabrics, print, photography, wood, jewellery, mixed media, textiles, ceramics and more.

Membership costs $60 a year, which includes free entry into the annual open studio art trail, public profile on the group’s website, entry into members group exhibitions, promotion on MAN social media channels, free entry into the year-round art trail directory, invitations to all opening nights, regular artist get-togethers and networking, and volunteering opportunities.

Mahurangi West painter and mural artist Noila Souza recently joined MAN and says she has enjoyed learning new techniques from experienced artists and working together with an artistic community. Souza also appreciates being able to show her work and participating in the artist trail. Other artists such as Warkworth textile artist and weaver Sharlene Hasler and Whangaripo painter and ceramicist

Caroline Bell find MAN great for building confidence, providing support and inspiration, and countering the isolation that solo artists can sometimes experience.

“Being a member of the Mahurangi Artist Network is a great way to expand your creative network and make friends with people who share the same passion as you,” they say.

Info and membership: www.mahurangiartistnetwork.com

Acrylic art courses in Mangawhai

Art with acrylic paint is the focus for two new courses being run in Mangawhai that start next month.

Creative Acrylics is being run by Russianborn artist and Mangawhai Artists stalwart Elena Nikolaeva, and is aimed at students with any level of artistic experience, from beginner to pro.

Throughout the five-week course, participants will explore various acrylic painting techniques to develop their own artistic style.

The classes run on consecutive Thursdays and Fridays, starting July 6 and 7, from 9am to 12.30pm in Mangawhai, and the cost is $175 per person.

Nikolaeva attended the Urals State University of Fine Arts, Design & Architecture, where she later taught and gained an associate professorship in painting. She moved to Mangawhai in 2000, since then she has been a full-time artist and tutor. She works with acrylics, watercolour, mixed media and sculpture and likes to encourage all students to widen their skills and techniques.

Info and registration: Elena Nikolaeva on 021 157 1730 or email enikonzealand@ gmail.com