Lots of great things have happened this year despite the disruption of an international pandemic. One of these has been the formation of Selwyn Practicing Artists.
Soon-Lee Spicer another local printmaker and I were both wanting a way to network with other local artists when our paths crossed at the start of the year. When we realised that we both had a similar dream, we decided to set up a group to do just that, and so Selwyn Practicing Artists was born.
Initially we started meetings online using Zoom during lockdown, and then we started to look for a venue for our group to meet up in person on a monthly basis. Malvern Arts Council stepped in and offered us their Gallery Te Huanui as a venue.
We have now had two very successful meetings, and also have set up a Facebook members group so that artists can continue to connect and share ideas and resources between meetings. The group currently has around 15 members who work in a variety of artistic mediums and are from different stages in their art careers.
In the future we plan to hold group exhibitions and do the occasional field trip for members.
I am really excited about the possibilities that forming this group might bring, and I am also hopeful that SPA might help local artists have a greater voice on the future of the arts in the Selwyn District.
To find out more about Selwyn Practicing Artists visit the SPA Facebook page.
