RUTH DAVEY EXHIBITION AT HILDA ROSS

Hanging at Hilda Ross is a grand exhibition of Ruth Davey’s work. Recently many WSA members and friends of Ruth and Lester gathered in the spacious display area at Hilda Ross for the opening of this exhibition. This is an extensive collection of Ruth’s work and was well worth a visit.

PO Box 1018 Hamilton 3240

August 2012

Art Connections 8 Art Connections

WSA OFFICE AND ART SCHOOL ArtsPost, 120 Victoria Street P.O. Box 1018 Hamilton, 3240 Phone Anne or Michelle on 839 4481 Office Hours: 8.30am—1pm Website: www.wsa.org.nz

EDITOR Barry Smith phone: 07 8558296 Email: 2smiths@wave.co.nz

WSA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Patron: Joan Fear President Elect: Dianne Yates Hon. Solicitor: Warren Scotter Auditor: Grant Mackintosh Treasurer: Gary Douglas Executive Committee: Barry Smith, Carril Karr Melany Sutherland, Ken Price, Prasanthi Amerasinghe Secretary : Michelle Colson

TIM CROUCHER TALK AT WM

Some WSA members attended the Friends of Waikato Museum "Coffee Morning", 10am Wednesday 25th July at the Museum Lecture Theatre where guest speaker is Tim Croucher, an artist and teacher who has been living and working in the Waikato for 20 years or so, currently at Wintec. This excellent talk went on with questions and answers for the full hour. Tim talked about the processes which lead to his completed painting. There was no special recipe, rather an evolving process that differs with each painting and includes experience, memory, Several of his works are currently on hold while he works on a body of painting to be shown in Chengdu in China and at Waikato Museum in Hamilton later this year. The project is a joint one with fellow painter; Xu Ze and these new paintings are part of a soft dialogue between Xu's painting, travel, distance, loss and memory. Much of Tim’s work derives from his past and travels and he often combines the memories and places of his past. He uses the camera often as an aid (freely acknowledges that copying photo images taught him to draw), shooting images as he travels. His travels include among other places, India and China. He paid homage to the influences of such artists as Hotere, Ted Bracey and Don Peebles who taught him at RMIT. As usual with such a good talk, the questions and interchange flourished. Barry Smith

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING RATES Inserts $80 per page (printed and delivered to WSA) Full Page $240 (available only if space available) Half Page $120 colour $70 black and white Quarter page $70 colour $40 black and white What’s on and Members short ads – up to five lines are free.

MEMBERS ADVERTISMENTS One of the perks of membership is the opportunity to advertise (for free) something of your work or upcom-ing exhibitions up to 50 words (without enlargement or photos).

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

What an interesting and varied month for us at WSA.

Barry and Catherine Smith mounted an exhibition of their art and gave a photographic presentation at Accountants on London for their customer evening. Ruth Davey had a very interesting exhibition of a range of her work at Hilda Ross open day and beyond (what a good venue, even armchairs to sit on while we viewed the works!). We had the well-attended dedication of the Joan Travaglia Press in the basement at ArtsPost. The Business Art Award finalists are on display at Westpac Bank in Victoria Street and Anne Kalnins organised a very creative class for pre-schoolers at the WSA Art School. Michelle, our new administrator, also has an exhibition at Metropolis Café running until end of August – congratulations Michelle!

All this shows that WSA is not waiting for the community to come to us, but, in the tradition of WSA we are working in and with our community and sharing our art in different venues and at different events.

It has been a good month of member activity with people pulling together at our working bee, helping with hanging exhibitions and organising events – good work and good fun.

I have had the pleasure of meeting up with Cherie Meecham our new Museum Director and along with Gary Douglas (our treasurer) and Michelle we were able to brief her on the structure, role, activities and plans of WSA and lay the foundations for an on-going relationship.

We also note and congratulate Sarah Nathan on her new appointment as CEO of the newly formed Creative Waikato.

July has been a busy and creative month despite the cold and the rain, and we look forward now to Creativity Squared in September.

Just a closing comment: the audience capacity at the WEL/Gallagher Academy concert room at the University is approximately the same as our membership and we are the largest arts organisation of our kind in New Zealand. Dianne Yates - President

Campbell Smith, Elsa Lye, Ruth Davey, Esmay Smith and Janice Meadows at Ruth’s exhibition.

FROM THE EDITOR This WSA Art Connections Newsletter could not be created without the help of Dianne Yates, Anne Kalnins, Elsa Lye, Melany Sutherland, Carril Karr, Janice Meadows, Catherine Smith, Catherine Lang, Martha Simms and some of our Executive Committee members and other WSA members and, of course, Michelle. Thanks to you all. And a very special thanks to SHARP who continue to help us substantially with our photocopying and to Warehouse Stationery who supply our paper. Please do let them know how grateful we are when you do your buying.

2 Art Connections 7 Art Connections

as an essential event on the New Zealand arts calendar. The overall winner and merit awards will be announced Thursday 16 August, The judge is Caterina Riva. The 2012 National Contemporary Art Award finalists are: Adrian Jackman – Auckland, Ben Clement – Auckland, Bob van der Wal – Auckland, Deborah Erueti – Christchurch, Dorota Broda – Auckland, Jennifer Mason - Auckland, Jessica Pearless – Auckland, Meiling Lee - Auckland , Michael Parr, Blaine Western – Auckland, Nicki Wynnychuck – Melbourne, Australia, Oscar Enberg – Auckland, Roman Mitch - Auckland, Ruth Cleland- Auckland, Sam Thomas – Auckland, Shannon Te Ao, Iain Frengley – Nelson, Simon Esling – Auckland, Justin Spiers – Dunedin, Maria Walls – Auckland, Natalie Guy - Auckland

Waikato Museum Collection Now Online We have more than 60,000 taonga/objects in our collection and you can now view many of these objects and artworks online. The collection contains important taonga from Maaori history, our regional art and history and items from New Zealand national events which impact upon the region. Click here to view our online collection or access specific collections by clicking the links below, found on the museum website: · Visual Arts · Tangata Whenua · Science · Social History Don’t expect too much right now – this appears to be a ‘work in progress’ Ed ARTSPOST 10am - 4.30pm daily 120 Victoria Street, Hamilton www.artspost.co.nz 20 July - 20 August 2012 'You + Me + We + Us' by Steve Lovett, Miranda Playfair & Carole Shepheard - Print-based mixed media 'The Inheritance of the Meek' by Gillian McCready - Oil and resin on board and metal 'An exercise in Futility' by Siren Deluxe - Photography, C-type mounted on aluminium MORRINSVILLE WALLACE GALLERY July 26th to August 21st Unfolding Blue Ekarasa Doblanovic & Imagine the Land A series of abstract large paintings, which aim is to convey a sense of vastness and mystery, and an installation using natural materials in Mandala style.

WHAT’S ON OR COMING SOON CALDER & LAWSON GALLERY Raised Voices 2 July – 10 August 2012 Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts RAISED VOICES explores responses to ideas of urban development that have become an ongoing concern throughout the world. The works in the show look at aspects of social, political and aesthetic reordering due to increasing populations, restricted space and demand for resources. Featured in the exhibition will be photographs by China based artist Yang Yi, works by New Zealand artists Eve Armstrong and Kerry Ann Lee and video works by the Michelangelo Pistoletto Band. THE FRAMING WORKSHOP Petites Maisons – Petits Bijoux Miniature Watercolours by Delys Lodge 27 July - 30 August 120 Silverdale Road Hamilton www.theframingworkshop.co.nz

SANDZ GALLERY A Free Hand 12th Annual Exhibition opens 5pm 3rd September - All welcome 6 Kent St, Frankton

SCULPTURE PARK @ WAITAKARURU ABORETUM Winter Collection 18 June — 18 November 12 The Waitakaruru Arboretum is an extraordinary site with a rich history spanning 20 years of rehabilitation of a once derelict quarry. It offers a diverse and challenging environment for artists interested in exploring a range of sculptural, environmental, and land based works. For the Winter Collection, artists were invited to propose works that consider the site and engage with the full force of the environment and landscape. Works take on various forms including sculpture, installation and conceptual works. Also see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSM2Y5gboRU

WAIKATO MUSEUM 2012 NATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART AWARD 17 AUGUST - 18 NOVEMBER This is the 11th year of the National Contemporary Art Award (NCAA) and this year the award is sponsored by our own, local art philanthropist Barry Hopkins. The award brings together the work of some of New Zealand's most exciting emerging artists. Numbers of visitors to the show have continued to grow, cementing it

MEMBERS GET THEIR OWN PAGE ON THE WSA WEBSITE Have you seen the artists' pages on our website? Have a look at http://www.wsa.org.nz/artists.aspx To get started with your own page, email Janice Meadows and she will reply with a list of what you need to supply -- basically a short bio and 6 to 10 images of your work. If you need help with the photographs, WSA can provide assistance. Contact Janice at jmeadows51@gmail.com or else phone 843 6165 (in Hamilton).

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR READERS Please do mention the WSA newsletter when you do business with our supporters and advertisers. And ask for the discount. This is the only way our advertisers and supporters know that their money spent is working for them. And their continuing advertising helps keep WSA alive. Let’s not wish we’d done it if it all falls down! Ed

CONTRIBUTIONS TO NEWSLETTER Art Connections monthly newsletter welcomes articles and images relating to the arts and listings of upcoming art events. All contributions need to be provided by 20th of each month to Michelle Colson at the WSA office, email wsa@wsa.org.nz or direct to me at 2smiths@wave.co.nz. Please type “Newsletter” in subject line.

WE ARE HAPPY TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW Subscription Rates (1 Sept 2012 – 31 Aug 2013) Double $65 (Seniors $50) Single $45 (Seniors $40) Student $20 (Current Student ID required) You can make pay your subscriptions (or make donations) to the WSA by post or via the Internet. Our WSA Account is: Westpac 03 0306 0217827 00 Hamilton North Branch.

Changes relating to the membership year may occur at the AGM as per notice on page 5 of this newsletter.

WSA SKETCH CRAWLS We’ve decided to defer these until the weather warms later in the year. No special skills required and fellow WSA members are usually generous with their help and ideas. Show and tell is not compulsory. Details in a later Newsletter.

WESTPAC/WSA BUSINESS ART AWARDS 2012 The artworks of the three finalists are currently on display at Westpac Bank on Victoria Street and the public are invited to cast their vote in the People’s Choice Award. The winning entry will be presented a trophy and prize by the judge, Grant Robson, Business Area Manager for Westpac Hamilton at an Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 31st July.

WAIPRINT 2012 With Joan Travaglia’s passing, Waiprint 2012 has passed into Janice Meadows' care. Her co-organiser this year is Kate Hill and they will recruit at least one more WSA member to help out. Details so far: Gallery: Ida Carey and Margot Philips Opening preview: Thursday, 27 Sept, 5.30pm Exhibition dates: 28 Sept - 29 Oct Guest artist: Janis MacDonald Janis will show some of her copper sulphate etching/aquatints and will run a one-day copper sulphate workshop during the exhibition, day to be arranged. Waiprint will also feature a selection of Joan's last works, courtesy of her daughter, Nell. Any queries, contact Janice at 843 6165 or jmeadows51@gmail.com WSA COMMUNICATIONS Michelle Colson, our new secretary, asks that members change the name for wsa@wsa.org.nz in their contacts list from Eriko Hulse to Michelle Colson or WSAAdmin. (If you are like the editor, you may have been thinking that the reason all WSA emails were still arriving from Eriko was because Michelle had not changed things at her end – not so - the problem resides in your own contact list!)

ARTIST ROOMS FOR HIRE The art rooms at WSA Art School can be rented. If any members are interested in hiring these for themselves or a group, please contact Michelle.

BECOME A MEMBER Download a membership form: www.wsa.org.nz Pick up a form from the WSA Office or ArtsPost Phone (07) 839 4481 to get one sent to you.

GRATEFUL Printing of WSA newsletter is supported by:

Ulster St. Hamilton

Art Connections 3 Art Connections

INSPIRIT GALLERY August 5- 31 Opening Preview 2-4:30pm Origins of a well-bred Kiwi Mongrel By Ciane Lawrey-(aka Ginger) What does it mean to be a Kiwi? What represents us, our national identity, our stories, the sum of us and our entirety? Using garments and multimedia pieces Ciane Lawrey is explores these questions.

GALLERY ARTISANS WSA members are probably aware, by now, that Gallery Artisans is now well on the road at the north end of Victoria St at the old R&R building. They represent and hold works of a wide range of well-known and developing artists and crafts people. Included in these are now the works of sculptor, Brian Chrystall, now of Auckland but once in Hamilton as a scientist. Some WSA members will have known him. There is no such thing as one side or the other – art and science are intermingled – the most distinguishing difference being ‘scientific method’. Most scientists (and especially Nobel Laureates) use their imagination and creativity to arrive at hypotheses. Then comes the scientific method. Anyway, have a look at Gallery Artisans to see what they are offering at http://galleryartisans.co.nz/

The 14th Spark Festival is fast approaching and takes place this August 13-17. The five day festival boasts one of the best line-up’s to date with 21 international guests from from New York, South Korea, Japan, Australia and the mighty Aotearoa, positioning the Waikato on the International stage, attracting the attention of influential artists and providing career bending opportunities for those who attend. “This line-up has us really excited, the speakers represent those at the forefront of the arts domain, they are imaginative, impressive, and original and we’re excited to host them in the Waikato” says Festival Director Kat Cox. The brain child of the School of Media Arts at Wintec, Spark is a week-long arts, media and design series incorporating exhibitions, talks, panel discussions and side events. This year’s invitational includes some of New Zealand’s best artists; Peter Robinson appears fresh from his installing his giant polystyrene sculpture at the Biennale of Sydney and will be giving an evening talk at the Gallagher Hub, Wintec on Wednesday 15th August, 5pm. Joining Robinson is Brett Graham - widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most accomplished sculptors. In the last decade Graham has exhibited extensively, locally and internationally, and is well regarded as a leading authority on contemporary Maori sculpture. Graham will speak at the Waikato Museum, Tuesday 14th August at 2.30pm. Both events are public talks with free entry.

6

Mihaia, 2010 by Brett Graham

Now a major event on the national arts calendar, designed to engage and educate those with an interest in the creative industries, art and design. Each year Spark brings world class artists, designers, writers, musicians, entrepreneurs, media commentators and filmmakers to Hamilton. Offering audiences the opportunity to meet and engage with people working at the cutting edge of their field “living in the Waikato you rarely get the chance to get up close with the superstars of the arts world, and having Anthony Goicolea and Moritz Waldemeyer here in our region, two superstars of the arts world, it’s truly a rare opportunity that I hope people take advantage of. They will give fascinating insight into how they think and work” says Cox. “This is only a snippet of what Spark has to offer. The total programme presents 21 speakers from New York, South Korea, Japan, Australia and Aotearoa, with over 30 talks, panel discussions, exhibitions and side events.” Visit www.spark.net.nz and remember Spark is FREE and open to all.

GET CRACKIN’ FOR CREATIVITY SQUARED Time to crank up the creativity, to step out of your comfort zone, to dream and scheme a little. This is a chance to explore your inner contemporary spirit if that tickles your fancy. Or to apply finely developed skills to new subjects or materials or a new method of display. Consider three dimensions or four (video). Think insides and outsides or outsized. Start early to create quality work. Strange and beautiful things may happen. Creativity Squared is the unselected member’s exhibition that invites you to be completely free within one square metre of floor space or a metre of wall space that you fill the way you want. The metre that you pay for goes right up to the ceiling. The entry fee is $15 per space, 25% commission. Space is limited by venue so book your place early. The venue is located in Grey Street, Hamilton East with the provisional dates being 1st September through to 9the September to coincide with the weekend markets. An email confirmation will be sent to members confirming details when they come to hand. Martha Simms

PUBLIC ART & PROCESS The energy and focus surrounding Hamilton City Council’s commitment to a Public Art Programme for the city is astute and forward-looking. To have individuals, groups and businesses willing to support Council is helping create a dynamic living and working environment. The importance of public art is that it adds to the vibrancy, reputation and dynamic appearance of a city, be it big or small. While some commissioned art works may not initially be popular, over time the collection begins to reflect a range of personal tastes. For example a twenty year period one will see works that cover a wide range of materials and styles, explore a range of ideas and themes, be produced by local artists and beyond, be permanent or temporary and find favour with those who share a deep interest in the character of this city. Major cities in Aotearoa/ New Zealand have recognised the value and consequences of a well considered and strategically planned public art programme, and now it is Hamilton’s turn to enter the field and create a place where the expression of culture is not only spoken of as a desirable goal but is publicly on show for people to see. Perhaps some are unaware of how the relationship works, and how the community benefits without drawing on direct council funds. In most cases a sponsor or benefactor has stepped forward and offered to fund a public art work, the Council has a list of sites cleared for such usage, and there are professional groups working together to ensure a successful outcome. The final art works are donated to Hamilton City Council and become an asset, in more ways than one. One of the roles of a Public Art Panel is to ensure that what is selected for the city is judged to be of high quality, will have an impact in and on the chosen sites and will make an historic and creative contribution to the cultural aspirations of this city. Hamilton City has taken positive action with the appointment of a small group of public art experts – external to the council – but accountable to them. I am one of these. This panel was instigated a little over a year ago, does not receive payment for their services but sees their appointment as a professional contribution to a growing city, a city they are committed to and want to see augmented by public art. Hamilton needs philanthropists such as art collector and businessman Sir James Wallace. He recently commented that he would like to see others in his financial situation make a significant contribution to the visual culture of Aotearoa New Zealand and for us supporting public art would make a very public statement. However, it is not always about money but about support, advocacy and encouragement. Currently the panel has several pieces of public art coming to us for consideration. Some of these ideas are at the early conceptual stage, some have been through Council as part of a staged development process, and others are about to begin construction. We have some exciting artists involved and the list will continue to grow

over the years. We should also be grateful to the work being undertaken by groups such as Hamilton based organization mesh. This volunteer group of passionate individuals have been pivotal in bringing to the Public Art Panel proposals that will ensure that Hamilton City Council will have the very best collection of public art, and works that will not only be of national significance, but internationally recognised. They have sourced emergent and experienced artists to work with and currently are working to secure the acceptance of one of New Zealand’s most exciting contemporary artists for a major commission.

Of importance to the panel is how an ‘idea’ for a public artwork aligns with the Public Art Plan, and the Hamilton City Council Arts Agenda. Both these are excellent documents and designed to explain more fully the direction being taken by Council, and why. Understanding the commissioning process is critical and once we are sure the proposal meets all the paper requirements, and there is detailed information with regard realistic budgets, workable construction plans, installation considerations and maintenance details – then the proposal is signed off, the artist commissioned and the work begun. We already have some outstanding pieces of public art and it is exciting to know that these will be added to over a period of time and become part of our heritage. The value and consequences of a well-considered and strategically planned public art programme – think Waitakere City – has at its heart the benefits to the people of Hamilton. It is now time to enter the field and create a place where the expression of culture is not only spoken of a desirable goal but is publicly expressed in the form of public art. Dr Carole Shepheard, Chair, Public Art Panel ,Hamilton City Council (Edited down by the author from Waikato Times article and published here with permission. Ed.)

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR PRINT ROOM The print room is still in need of old toothbrushes and lint-free rags – old T shirts or sheets are ideal. Pop them in a plastic bag and drop them off at the WSA office for the print room.

JOAN TRAVAGLIA RETROSPECTIVE An exhibition will be mounted in the Chartwell Gallery, ArtsPost, next January/February, a year after Joan's death. It will feature paintings, collages and prints, includ-ing some from her early career and many from the past decade. As part of the display, we would like to include her three Waikato, King Country & Thames Valley telephone book covers but at present we only have one of them: 'The green grass of home' for 2006/07. If you have either of the others -- from 1997 and 2001 -- and can lend them for the exhibition, please contact Janice Meadows before the end of July on 843 6165 or at jmeadows51@gmail.com .

WSA ARTS CALENDER We are currently assembling the 2013 WSA Arts Calen-dar. Recently we have had enquiries from members of-fering work for this calendar and as there are only 12 months in the year we are limited in the number of works needed. Most of the works were chosen from the Mem-bers Exhibition and it has been suggested that in future we choose works once again from the members show at Arts Post. If the project is successful this year it could be made our annual fund raising event and we will be able to give more members the opportunity to have their work displayed. With funding grants being much harder to get this could prove to be an important source of funding for WSA. Robin Cuff

BIG THANKS FROM WSA Many thanks from Michelle (and the Editor) to Jan Wells, Rona Evans, Marlene Gouge, Paula Spiers and Garry Moore for doing such an amazing job of folding, stuffing licking and labelling to get the July newsletter out. As usual the opportunity was taken to have a cuppa, a chat and meeting with other members. Nice social event – rec-ommended so please let me Michelle know if you want to be involved.

AND MORE THANKS FOR THE PRINTROOM AND OFFICE WORKING BEE More many thanks for all those who sorted, scrubbed, cleaned, carried and transported – all part of the clean up for the print room and the dedication party for Joan’s press – and the office upstairs. Noticed at the working bee at its various stages was Caroline, Ruth Davey. Carril Karr, Lynne Griffiths, Sue Roots, Kate Hill, Barry Smith, Robin Cuff, Gary Douglas, Dianne Yates – and of course Michelle Colson and Anne Kalnins who did a major cleanup upstairs. And most importantly a huge thanks to Janice Meadows who orchestrated the whole work party and did much or-ganising before and after, as well as doing so much to-wards the installation and dedication ceremony for Joan’s press.

JOAN TRAVAGLIA'S PRESS DEDICATION EVENT Many WSA members (and several of Joan’s family) at-tended our party to celebrate Joan Travaglia’s life and dedicate her Etching Press to her memory in the WSA Print Room at ArtsPost beneath ArtsPost, on Friday 13th July.

Dianne Yates, Janice Meadows and Sue Roots spoke fondly of their memories of Joan and her influence on a large number of aspiring printmakers. Ruth Davey un-veiled the plaque attached to the press and read the in-scription. Joan’s daughter, Nell, spoke on behalf of the family and added recollections of her own. The whole oc-casion was a friendly and (notwithstanding a few tears) a happy event.

FINDING FRANCES HODKGINS: A REVIEW Those who attended the Hand-stand Productions' presentation of “DOUBLE PORTRAIT: Find-ing Frances Hodgkins” at the Museum as part of the Fuel Festival had an interesting and stimulating evening. Jan Bolwell as Frances not only wrote the play but presented Frances as a lively and strong willed woman - both in her youth in New Zealand and in her life in Paris and the UK. Despite be-ing a very private person Fran-ces longed to experience and be part of the European art scene and to make her mark in it....which she did. The material for the play came, in most part, from Hodgkins' letters where she expounded on New Zealand, New Zea-landers, art, artists and the art world, the war and her friends, family and students. The play gave us a valuable insight into one of our best and well-known artists, her ambitions, her talents and her struggles. Dianne Yates

ALAN GIBBS – AL FRESCO ART In the middle of June the 'Friends of the Waikato Museum' which included many WSA members filled a bus and jour-neyed up from Hamilton in dubious weather. The rain never eventuated and, with winter now evident, the lack of foliage added to the already present sense of space so essential to this project. And at times the threat of squalls from the west across the Kaipara added to the dramatic sense. Some may see this as a display of wealth but I view this magnificent al fresco art display as public service! Irre-spective of whether or not the wealth comes from hard work, clever innovation or just old-fashioned inheritance, it doesn't matter (as long as taxes are paid). To conceive and then share this idea with the world is just too good to be true. Can you imagine any local authority trying to cre-ate art on this scale! Think of the uproar it would cre-ate. Not only does Alan Gibbs ask some of the best large-scale artists on the planet to give their best efforts to this project but he then invites them to supervise (with help) their installation while he foots the bill. That is called sup-porting the arts. There must have been great excitement among those involved in all of these projects - imagine the risks of erecting some of the works - imagine nearly sink-ing a ship by loading it with enough iron for one sculp-ture? The farm was green, the landscape manicured, the ani-mals (and the staff) looked happy and the public were all smiles. What did we see? Iron work in massive curved vertical and horizontal forms, a red funnel to talk through to friends in Australia (well, you could pretend with your cell phone), an ejaculating fountain, a wind wand and a clever work representing a giant bent sheet of corrugated iron resting on a hilltop - all part of the day for us.

The final entertainment for us was at the exit. A tame os-trich could not be herded off the road in front of our bus. It took ages for the staff member to get him to take off, which the ostrich did with huge display of pique and show. I suspect that the animal was intent on admiring himself (or was it a prospective mate he/she was eyeing up) in the front window of the bus - once I had a nerve wracking moment or two with a tame emu in a Melbourne zoo - I was too scared to turn my back on him! Barry Smith

FROM THE ART SCHOOL During the art school’s break from regular classes, we filled the studio with children, who readily partici-pated in a number of creative activi-ties. Jenn joined the team as a tutor and she responded very favorably to our holiday programme and the chil-dren. We used ideas such as a Light-house in storm, a shoal of fish, the planets, and papier mache to name but a few. These classes are full on but fun as one gets to experiment with all sorts of ideas which are most enjoy-able. We also ran two pre school sessions with a total of 22 2 year olds. Wow! what a creative mess….but the tots were very well behaved and we noticed that they man-aged the use of a paint brush much better than the older children.

Anne Kalnins

WSA AGM Members are advised that the WSA Annual General Meeting will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 23 October at ArtsPost (exact location later). As usual there will be an opportunity to socialise with a glass of refreshment and a bite to eat after the meeting. Members with a mind to put something back into WSA are asked to talk to Dianne or one of the Executive Committee members or let Michelle know.

Unfortunately Dianne has other commitments and will not be re-standing as President. WSA is looking for a re-placement for Dianne – someone with passion about WSA and the bigger picture of the arts in Waikato. (Take it from me, voluntary work for your Society is rewarding. Ed.)

The committee, to avoid issues presently encountered related to art school attendance, wishes to put the follow-ing Resolution at the Annual General Meeting that: “New member subscriptions as from the 1st September 2012 will be annually renewable based on the anniversary date of their joining WSA.”’

REMINDER ABOUT SECURITY Members are reminded that they should ensure that all doors are securely locked when leaving the ArtsPost building. Most of the doors are deadlock and require a key to secure the lock.

4 5 Art Connections Art Connections

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR PRINT ROOM The print room is still in need of old toothbrushes and lint-free rags – old T shirts or sheets are ideal. Pop them in a plastic bag and drop them off at the WSA office for the print room.

JOAN TRAVAGLIA RETROSPECTIVE An exhibition will be mounted in the Chartwell Gallery, ArtsPost, next January/February, a year after Joan's death. It will feature paintings, collages and prints, includ-ing some from her early career and many from the past decade. As part of the display, we would like to include her three Waikato, King Country & Thames Valley telephone book covers but at present we only have one of them: 'The green grass of home' for 2006/07. If you have either of the others -- from 1997 and 2001 -- and can lend them for the exhibition, please contact Janice Meadows before the end of July on 843 6165 or at jmeadows51@gmail.com .

WSA ARTS CALENDER We are currently assembling the 2013 WSA Arts Calen-dar. Recently we have had enquiries from members of-fering work for this calendar and as there are only 12 months in the year we are limited in the number of works needed. Most of the works were chosen from the Mem-bers Exhibition and it has been suggested that in future we choose works once again from the members show at Arts Post. If the project is successful this year it could be made our annual fund raising event and we will be able to give more members the opportunity to have their work displayed. With funding grants being much harder to get this could prove to be an important source of funding for WSA. Robin Cuff

BIG THANKS FROM WSA Many thanks from Michelle (and the Editor) to Jan Wells, Rona Evans, Marlene Gouge, Paula Spiers and Garry Moore for doing such an amazing job of folding, stuffing licking and labelling to get the July newsletter out. As usual the opportunity was taken to have a cuppa, a chat and meeting with other members. Nice social event – rec-ommended so please let me Michelle know if you want to be involved.

AND MORE THANKS FOR THE PRINTROOM AND OFFICE WORKING BEE More many thanks for all those who sorted, scrubbed, cleaned, carried and transported – all part of the clean up for the print room and the dedication party for Joan’s press – and the office upstairs. Noticed at the working bee at its various stages was Caroline, Ruth Davey. Carril Karr, Lynne Griffiths, Sue Roots, Kate Hill, Barry Smith, Robin Cuff, Gary Douglas, Dianne Yates – and of course Michelle Colson and Anne Kalnins who did a major cleanup upstairs. And most importantly a huge thanks to Janice Meadows who orchestrated the whole work party and did much or-ganising before and after, as well as doing so much to-wards the installation and dedication ceremony for Joan’s press.

JOAN TRAVAGLIA'S PRESS DEDICATION EVENT Many WSA members (and several of Joan’s family) at-tended our party to celebrate Joan Travaglia’s life and dedicate her Etching Press to her memory in the WSA Print Room at ArtsPost beneath ArtsPost, on Friday 13th July.

Dianne Yates, Janice Meadows and Sue Roots spoke fondly of their memories of Joan and her influence on a large number of aspiring printmakers. Ruth Davey un-veiled the plaque attached to the press and read the in-scription. Joan’s daughter, Nell, spoke on behalf of the family and added recollections of her own. The whole oc-casion was a friendly and (notwithstanding a few tears) a happy event.

FINDING FRANCES HODKGINS: A REVIEW Those who attended the Hand-stand Productions' presentation of “DOUBLE PORTRAIT: Find-ing Frances Hodgkins” at the Museum as part of the Fuel Festival had an interesting and stimulating evening. Jan Bolwell as Frances not only wrote the play but presented Frances as a lively and strong willed woman - both in her youth in New Zealand and in her life in Paris and the UK. Despite be-ing a very private person Fran-ces longed to experience and be part of the European art scene and to make her mark in it....which she did. The material for the play came, in most part, from Hodgkins' letters where she expounded on New Zealand, New Zea-landers, art, artists and the art world, the war and her friends, family and students. The play gave us a valuable insight into one of our best and well-known artists, her ambitions, her talents and her struggles. Dianne Yates

ALAN GIBBS – AL FRESCO ART In the middle of June the 'Friends of the Waikato Museum' which included many WSA members filled a bus and jour-neyed up from Hamilton in dubious weather. The rain never eventuated and, with winter now evident, the lack of foliage added to the already present sense of space so essential to this project. And at times the threat of squalls from the west across the Kaipara added to the dramatic sense. Some may see this as a display of wealth but I view this magnificent al fresco art display as public service! Irre-spective of whether or not the wealth comes from hard work, clever innovation or just old-fashioned inheritance, it doesn't matter (as long as taxes are paid). To conceive and then share this idea with the world is just too good to be true. Can you imagine any local authority trying to cre-ate art on this scale! Think of the uproar it would cre-ate. Not only does Alan Gibbs ask some of the best large-scale artists on the planet to give their best efforts to this project but he then invites them to supervise (with help) their installation while he foots the bill. That is called sup-porting the arts. There must have been great excitement among those involved in all of these projects - imagine the risks of erecting some of the works - imagine nearly sink-ing a ship by loading it with enough iron for one sculp-ture? The farm was green, the landscape manicured, the ani-mals (and the staff) looked happy and the public were all smiles. What did we see? Iron work in massive curved vertical and horizontal forms, a red funnel to talk through to friends in Australia (well, you could pretend with your cell phone), an ejaculating fountain, a wind wand and a clever work representing a giant bent sheet of corrugated iron resting on a hilltop - all part of the day for us.

The final entertainment for us was at the exit. A tame os-trich could not be herded off the road in front of our bus. It took ages for the staff member to get him to take off, which the ostrich did with huge display of pique and show. I suspect that the animal was intent on admiring himself (or was it a prospective mate he/she was eyeing up) in the front window of the bus - once I had a nerve wracking moment or two with a tame emu in a Melbourne zoo - I was too scared to turn my back on him! Barry Smith

FROM THE ART SCHOOL During the art school’s break from regular classes, we filled the studio with children, who readily partici-pated in a number of creative activi-ties. Jenn joined the team as a tutor and she responded very favorably to our holiday programme and the chil-dren. We used ideas such as a Light-house in storm, a shoal of fish, the planets, and papier mache to name but a few. These classes are full on but fun as one gets to experiment with all sorts of ideas which are most enjoy-able. We also ran two pre school sessions with a total of 22 2 year olds. Wow! what a creative mess….but the tots were very well behaved and we noticed that they man-aged the use of a paint brush much better than the older children.

Anne Kalnins

WSA AGM Members are advised that the WSA Annual General Meeting will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 23 October at ArtsPost (exact location later). As usual there will be an opportunity to socialise with a glass of refreshment and a bite to eat after the meeting. Members with a mind to put something back into WSA are asked to talk to Dianne or one of the Executive Committee members or let Michelle know.

Unfortunately Dianne has other commitments and will not be re-standing as President. WSA is looking for a re-placement for Dianne – someone with passion about WSA and the bigger picture of the arts in Waikato. (Take it from me, voluntary work for your Society is rewarding. Ed.)

The committee, to avoid issues presently encountered related to art school attendance, wishes to put the follow-ing Resolution at the Annual General Meeting that: “New member subscriptions as from the 1st September 2012 will be annually renewable based on the anniversary date of their joining WSA.”’

REMINDER ABOUT SECURITY Members are reminded that they should ensure that all doors are securely locked when leaving the ArtsPost building. Most of the doors are deadlock and require a key to secure the lock.

4 5 Art Connections Art Connections

Art Connections 3 Art Connections

INSPIRIT GALLERY August 5- 31 Opening Preview 2-4:30pm Origins of a well-bred Kiwi Mongrel By Ciane Lawrey-(aka Ginger) What does it mean to be a Kiwi? What represents us, our national identity, our stories, the sum of us and our entirety? Using garments and multimedia pieces Ciane Lawrey is explores these questions.

GALLERY ARTISANS WSA members are probably aware, by now, that Gallery Artisans is now well on the road at the north end of Victoria St at the old R&R building. They represent and hold works of a wide range of well-known and developing artists and crafts people. Included in these are now the works of sculptor, Brian Chrystall, now of Auckland but once in Hamilton as a scientist. Some WSA members will have known him. There is no such thing as one side or the other – art and science are intermingled – the most distinguishing difference being ‘scientific method’. Most scientists (and especially Nobel Laureates) use their imagination and creativity to arrive at hypotheses. Then comes the scientific method. Anyway, have a look at Gallery Artisans to see what they are offering at http://galleryartisans.co.nz/

The 14th Spark Festival is fast approaching and takes place this August 13-17. The five day festival boasts one of the best line-up’s to date with 21 international guests from from New York, South Korea, Japan, Australia and the mighty Aotearoa, positioning the Waikato on the International stage, attracting the attention of influential artists and providing career bending opportunities for those who attend. “This line-up has us really excited, the speakers represent those at the forefront of the arts domain, they are imaginative, impressive, and original and we’re excited to host them in the Waikato” says Festival Director Kat Cox. The brain child of the School of Media Arts at Wintec, Spark is a week-long arts, media and design series incorporating exhibitions, talks, panel discussions and side events. This year’s invitational includes some of New Zealand’s best artists; Peter Robinson appears fresh from his installing his giant polystyrene sculpture at the Biennale of Sydney and will be giving an evening talk at the Gallagher Hub, Wintec on Wednesday 15th August, 5pm. Joining Robinson is Brett Graham - widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most accomplished sculptors. In the last decade Graham has exhibited extensively, locally and internationally, and is well regarded as a leading authority on contemporary Maori sculpture. Graham will speak at the Waikato Museum, Tuesday 14th August at 2.30pm. Both events are public talks with free entry.

6

Mihaia, 2010 by Brett Graham

Now a major event on the national arts calendar, designed to engage and educate those with an interest in the creative industries, art and design. Each year Spark brings world class artists, designers, writers, musicians, entrepreneurs, media commentators and filmmakers to Hamilton. Offering audiences the opportunity to meet and engage with people working at the cutting edge of their field “living in the Waikato you rarely get the chance to get up close with the superstars of the arts world, and having Anthony Goicolea and Moritz Waldemeyer here in our region, two superstars of the arts world, it’s truly a rare opportunity that I hope people take advantage of. They will give fascinating insight into how they think and work” says Cox. “This is only a snippet of what Spark has to offer. The total programme presents 21 speakers from New York, South Korea, Japan, Australia and Aotearoa, with over 30 talks, panel discussions, exhibitions and side events.” Visit www.spark.net.nz and remember Spark is FREE and open to all.

GET CRACKIN’ FOR CREATIVITY SQUARED Time to crank up the creativity, to step out of your comfort zone, to dream and scheme a little. This is a chance to explore your inner contemporary spirit if that tickles your fancy. Or to apply finely developed skills to new subjects or materials or a new method of display. Consider three dimensions or four (video). Think insides and outsides or outsized. Start early to create quality work. Strange and beautiful things may happen. Creativity Squared is the unselected member’s exhibition that invites you to be completely free within one square metre of floor space or a metre of wall space that you fill the way you want. The metre that you pay for goes right up to the ceiling. The entry fee is $15 per space, 25% commission. Space is limited by venue so book your place early. The venue is located in Grey Street, Hamilton East with the provisional dates being 1st September through to 9the September to coincide with the weekend markets. An email confirmation will be sent to members confirming details when they come to hand. Martha Simms

PUBLIC ART & PROCESS The energy and focus surrounding Hamilton City Council’s commitment to a Public Art Programme for the city is astute and forward-looking. To have individuals, groups and businesses willing to support Council is helping create a dynamic living and working environment. The importance of public art is that it adds to the vibrancy, reputation and dynamic appearance of a city, be it big or small. While some commissioned art works may not initially be popular, over time the collection begins to reflect a range of personal tastes. For example a twenty year period one will see works that cover a wide range of materials and styles, explore a range of ideas and themes, be produced by local artists and beyond, be permanent or temporary and find favour with those who share a deep interest in the character of this city. Major cities in Aotearoa/ New Zealand have recognised the value and consequences of a well considered and strategically planned public art programme, and now it is Hamilton’s turn to enter the field and create a place where the expression of culture is not only spoken of as a desirable goal but is publicly on show for people to see. Perhaps some are unaware of how the relationship works, and how the community benefits without drawing on direct council funds. In most cases a sponsor or benefactor has stepped forward and offered to fund a public art work, the Council has a list of sites cleared for such usage, and there are professional groups working together to ensure a successful outcome. The final art works are donated to Hamilton City Council and become an asset, in more ways than one. One of the roles of a Public Art Panel is to ensure that what is selected for the city is judged to be of high quality, will have an impact in and on the chosen sites and will make an historic and creative contribution to the cultural aspirations of this city. Hamilton City has taken positive action with the appointment of a small group of public art experts – external to the council – but accountable to them. I am one of these. This panel was instigated a little over a year ago, does not receive payment for their services but sees their appointment as a professional contribution to a growing city, a city they are committed to and want to see augmented by public art. Hamilton needs philanthropists such as art collector and businessman Sir James Wallace. He recently commented that he would like to see others in his financial situation make a significant contribution to the visual culture of Aotearoa New Zealand and for us supporting public art would make a very public statement. However, it is not always about money but about support, advocacy and encouragement. Currently the panel has several pieces of public art coming to us for consideration. Some of these ideas are at the early conceptual stage, some have been through Council as part of a staged development process, and others are about to begin construction. We have some exciting artists involved and the list will continue to grow

over the years. We should also be grateful to the work being undertaken by groups such as Hamilton based organization mesh. This volunteer group of passionate individuals have been pivotal in bringing to the Public Art Panel proposals that will ensure that Hamilton City Council will have the very best collection of public art, and works that will not only be of national significance, but internationally recognised. They have sourced emergent and experienced artists to work with and currently are working to secure the acceptance of one of New Zealand’s most exciting contemporary artists for a major commission.

Of importance to the panel is how an ‘idea’ for a public artwork aligns with the Public Art Plan, and the Hamilton City Council Arts Agenda. Both these are excellent documents and designed to explain more fully the direction being taken by Council, and why. Understanding the commissioning process is critical and once we are sure the proposal meets all the paper requirements, and there is detailed information with regard realistic budgets, workable construction plans, installation considerations and maintenance details – then the proposal is signed off, the artist commissioned and the work begun. We already have some outstanding pieces of public art and it is exciting to know that these will be added to over a period of time and become part of our heritage. The value and consequences of a well-considered and strategically planned public art programme – think Waitakere City – has at its heart the benefits to the people of Hamilton. It is now time to enter the field and create a place where the expression of culture is not only spoken of a desirable goal but is publicly expressed in the form of public art. Dr Carole Shepheard, Chair, Public Art Panel ,Hamilton City Council (Edited down by the author from Waikato Times article and published here with permission. Ed.)

2 Art Connections 7 Art Connections

as an essential event on the New Zealand arts calendar. The overall winner and merit awards will be announced Thursday 16 August, The judge is Caterina Riva. The 2012 National Contemporary Art Award finalists are: Adrian Jackman – Auckland, Ben Clement – Auckland, Bob van der Wal – Auckland, Deborah Erueti – Christchurch, Dorota Broda – Auckland, Jennifer Mason - Auckland, Jessica Pearless – Auckland, Meiling Lee - Auckland , Michael Parr, Blaine Western – Auckland, Nicki Wynnychuck – Melbourne, Australia, Oscar Enberg – Auckland, Roman Mitch - Auckland, Ruth Cleland- Auckland, Sam Thomas – Auckland, Shannon Te Ao, Iain Frengley – Nelson, Simon Esling – Auckland, Justin Spiers – Dunedin, Maria Walls – Auckland, Natalie Guy - Auckland

Waikato Museum Collection Now Online We have more than 60,000 taonga/objects in our collection and you can now view many of these objects and artworks online. The collection contains important taonga from Maaori history, our regional art and history and items from New Zealand national events which impact upon the region. Click here to view our online collection or access specific collections by clicking the links below, found on the museum website: · Visual Arts · Tangata Whenua · Science · Social History Don’t expect too much right now – this appears to be a ‘work in progress’ Ed ARTSPOST 10am - 4.30pm daily 120 Victoria Street, Hamilton www.artspost.co.nz 20 July - 20 August 2012 'You + Me + We + Us' by Steve Lovett, Miranda Playfair & Carole Shepheard - Print-based mixed media 'The Inheritance of the Meek' by Gillian McCready - Oil and resin on board and metal 'An exercise in Futility' by Siren Deluxe - Photography, C-type mounted on aluminium MORRINSVILLE WALLACE GALLERY July 26th to August 21st Unfolding Blue Ekarasa Doblanovic & Imagine the Land A series of abstract large paintings, which aim is to convey a sense of vastness and mystery, and an installation using natural materials in Mandala style.

WHAT’S ON OR COMING SOON CALDER & LAWSON GALLERY Raised Voices 2 July – 10 August 2012 Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts RAISED VOICES explores responses to ideas of urban development that have become an ongoing concern throughout the world. The works in the show look at aspects of social, political and aesthetic reordering due to increasing populations, restricted space and demand for resources. Featured in the exhibition will be photographs by China based artist Yang Yi, works by New Zealand artists Eve Armstrong and Kerry Ann Lee and video works by the Michelangelo Pistoletto Band. THE FRAMING WORKSHOP Petites Maisons – Petits Bijoux Miniature Watercolours by Delys Lodge 27 July - 30 August 120 Silverdale Road Hamilton www.theframingworkshop.co.nz

SANDZ GALLERY A Free Hand 12th Annual Exhibition opens 5pm 3rd September - All welcome 6 Kent St, Frankton

SCULPTURE PARK @ WAITAKARURU ABORETUM Winter Collection 18 June — 18 November 12 The Waitakaruru Arboretum is an extraordinary site with a rich history spanning 20 years of rehabilitation of a once derelict quarry. It offers a diverse and challenging environment for artists interested in exploring a range of sculptural, environmental, and land based works. For the Winter Collection, artists were invited to propose works that consider the site and engage with the full force of the environment and landscape. Works take on various forms including sculpture, installation and conceptual works. Also see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSM2Y5gboRU

WAIKATO MUSEUM 2012 NATIONAL CONTEMPORARY ART AWARD 17 AUGUST - 18 NOVEMBER This is the 11th year of the National Contemporary Art Award (NCAA) and this year the award is sponsored by our own, local art philanthropist Barry Hopkins. The award brings together the work of some of New Zealand's most exciting emerging artists. Numbers of visitors to the show have continued to grow, cementing it

MEMBERS GET THEIR OWN PAGE ON THE WSA WEBSITE Have you seen the artists' pages on our website? Have a look at http://www.wsa.org.nz/artists.aspx To get started with your own page, email Janice Meadows and she will reply with a list of what you need to supply -- basically a short bio and 6 to 10 images of your work. If you need help with the photographs, WSA can provide assistance. Contact Janice at jmeadows51@gmail.com or else phone 843 6165 (in Hamilton).

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR READERS Please do mention the WSA newsletter when you do business with our supporters and advertisers. And ask for the discount. This is the only way our advertisers and supporters know that their money spent is working for them. And their continuing advertising helps keep WSA alive. Let’s not wish we’d done it if it all falls down! Ed

CONTRIBUTIONS TO NEWSLETTER Art Connections monthly newsletter welcomes articles and images relating to the arts and listings of upcoming art events. All contributions need to be provided by 20th of each month to Michelle Colson at the WSA office, email wsa@wsa.org.nz or direct to me at 2smiths@wave.co.nz. Please type “Newsletter” in subject line.

WE ARE HAPPY TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW Subscription Rates (1 Sept 2012 – 31 Aug 2013) Double $65 (Seniors $50) Single $45 (Seniors $40) Student $20 (Current Student ID required) You can make pay your subscriptions (or make donations) to the WSA by post or via the Internet. Our WSA Account is: Westpac 03 0306 0217827 00 Hamilton North Branch.

Changes relating to the membership year may occur at the AGM as per notice on page 5 of this newsletter.

WSA SKETCH CRAWLS We’ve decided to defer these until the weather warms later in the year. No special skills required and fellow WSA members are usually generous with their help and ideas. Show and tell is not compulsory. Details in a later Newsletter.

WESTPAC/WSA BUSINESS ART AWARDS 2012 The artworks of the three finalists are currently on display at Westpac Bank on Victoria Street and the public are invited to cast their vote in the People’s Choice Award. The winning entry will be presented a trophy and prize by the judge, Grant Robson, Business Area Manager for Westpac Hamilton at an Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 31st July.

WAIPRINT 2012 With Joan Travaglia’s passing, Waiprint 2012 has passed into Janice Meadows' care. Her co-organiser this year is Kate Hill and they will recruit at least one more WSA member to help out. Details so far: Gallery: Ida Carey and Margot Philips Opening preview: Thursday, 27 Sept, 5.30pm Exhibition dates: 28 Sept - 29 Oct Guest artist: Janis MacDonald Janis will show some of her copper sulphate etching/aquatints and will run a one-day copper sulphate workshop during the exhibition, day to be arranged. Waiprint will also feature a selection of Joan's last works, courtesy of her daughter, Nell. Any queries, contact Janice at 843 6165 or jmeadows51@gmail.com WSA COMMUNICATIONS Michelle Colson, our new secretary, asks that members change the name for wsa@wsa.org.nz in their contacts list from Eriko Hulse to Michelle Colson or WSAAdmin. (If you are like the editor, you may have been thinking that the reason all WSA emails were still arriving from Eriko was because Michelle had not changed things at her end – not so - the problem resides in your own contact list!)

ARTIST ROOMS FOR HIRE The art rooms at WSA Art School can be rented. If any members are interested in hiring these for themselves or a group, please contact Michelle.

BECOME A MEMBER Download a membership form: www.wsa.org.nz Pick up a form from the WSA Office or ArtsPost Phone (07) 839 4481 to get one sent to you.

GRATEFUL Printing of WSA newsletter is supported by:

Ulster St. Hamilton

RUTH DAVEY EXHIBITION AT HILDA ROSS

Hanging at Hilda Ross is a grand exhibition of Ruth Davey’s work. Recently many WSA members and friends of Ruth and Lester gathered in the spacious display area at Hilda Ross for the opening of this exhibition. This is an extensive collection of Ruth’s work and was well worth a visit.

PO Box 1018 Hamilton 3240

August 2012

Art Connections 8 Art Connections

WSA OFFICE AND ART SCHOOL ArtsPost, 120 Victoria Street P.O. Box 1018 Hamilton, 3240 Phone Anne or Michelle on 839 4481 Office Hours: 8.30am—1pm Website: www.wsa.org.nz

EDITOR Barry Smith phone: 07 8558296 Email: 2smiths@wave.co.nz

WSA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Patron: Joan Fear President Elect: Dianne Yates Hon. Solicitor: Warren Scotter Auditor: Grant Mackintosh Treasurer: Gary Douglas Executive Committee: Barry Smith, Carril Karr Melany Sutherland, Ken Price, Prasanthi Amerasinghe Secretary : Michelle Colson

TIM CROUCHER TALK AT WM

Some WSA members attended the Friends of Waikato Museum "Coffee Morning", 10am Wednesday 25th July at the Museum Lecture Theatre where guest speaker is Tim Croucher, an artist and teacher who has been living and working in the Waikato for 20 years or so, currently at Wintec. This excellent talk went on with questions and answers for the full hour. Tim talked about the processes which lead to his completed painting. There was no special recipe, rather an evolving process that differs with each painting and includes experience, memory, Several of his works are currently on hold while he works on a body of painting to be shown in Chengdu in China and at Waikato Museum in Hamilton later this year. The project is a joint one with fellow painter; Xu Ze and these new paintings are part of a soft dialogue between Xu's painting, travel, distance, loss and memory. Much of Tim’s work derives from his past and travels and he often combines the memories and places of his past. He uses the camera often as an aid (freely acknowledges that copying photo images taught him to draw), shooting images as he travels. His travels include among other places, India and China. He paid homage to the influences of such artists as Hotere, Ted Bracey and Don Peebles who taught him at RMIT. As usual with such a good talk, the questions and interchange flourished. Barry Smith

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING RATES Inserts $80 per page (printed and delivered to WSA) Full Page $240 (available only if space available) Half Page $120 colour $70 black and white Quarter page $70 colour $40 black and white What’s on and Members short ads – up to five lines are free.

MEMBERS ADVERTISMENTS One of the perks of membership is the opportunity to advertise (for free) something of your work or upcom-ing exhibitions up to 50 words (without enlargement or photos).

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

What an interesting and varied month for us at WSA.

Barry and Catherine Smith mounted an exhibition of their art and gave a photographic presentation at Accountants on London for their customer evening. Ruth Davey had a very interesting exhibition of a range of her work at Hilda Ross open day and beyond (what a good venue, even armchairs to sit on while we viewed the works!). We had the well-attended dedication of the Joan Travaglia Press in the basement at ArtsPost. The Business Art Award finalists are on display at Westpac Bank in Victoria Street and Anne Kalnins organised a very creative class for pre-schoolers at the WSA Art School. Michelle, our new administrator, also has an exhibition at Metropolis Café running until end of August – congratulations Michelle!

All this shows that WSA is not waiting for the community to come to us, but, in the tradition of WSA we are working in and with our community and sharing our art in different venues and at different events.

It has been a good month of member activity with people pulling together at our working bee, helping with hanging exhibitions and organising events – good work and good fun.

I have had the pleasure of meeting up with Cherie Meecham our new Museum Director and along with Gary Douglas (our treasurer) and Michelle we were able to brief her on the structure, role, activities and plans of WSA and lay the foundations for an on-going relationship.

We also note and congratulate Sarah Nathan on her new appointment as CEO of the newly formed Creative Waikato.

July has been a busy and creative month despite the cold and the rain, and we look forward now to Creativity Squared in September.

Just a closing comment: the audience capacity at the WEL/Gallagher Academy concert room at the University is approximately the same as our membership and we are the largest arts organisation of our kind in New Zealand. Dianne Yates - President

Campbell Smith, Elsa Lye, Ruth Davey, Esmay Smith and Janice Meadows at Ruth’s exhibition.

FROM THE EDITOR This WSA Art Connections Newsletter could not be created without the help of Dianne Yates, Anne Kalnins, Elsa Lye, Melany Sutherland, Carril Karr, Janice Meadows, Catherine Smith, Catherine Lang, Martha Simms and some of our Executive Committee members and other WSA members and, of course, Michelle. Thanks to you all. And a very special thanks to SHARP who continue to help us substantially with our photocopying and to Warehouse Stationery who supply our paper. Please do let them know how grateful we are when you do your buying.