I am an impressionist painter who aims to present only what is necessary, and so play with energy, size, shape and colour in my exploration of a scene.

Reduction of complex issues to essential concepts was core to my previous career as a teacher. I continue this approach in this Sunset series where I search for the essence of each land and skyscape. Rather than just presenting the viewer with a final image I have recorded the various stages of my reflections.

Hence, images are presented in order of painting and generally move from the original scene, to the energy contained, to the forms within and finally to colour reductions, each image attempting to capture the essence of the sunset.

In 2021 I was funded by Creative New Zealand to paint a portrait of Rangitane whahine Ereni Te Awe Awe. After being on display at Square Edge Community Arts and in the library during history week the painting was gifted it to the city of Palmerston North.
When the painting was officially handed over to the city it was suggested by the mayor Grant Smith and Rangitane iwi members that I paint more portraits of important historical figures. People who were involved in the creation of the city of Palmerston North such as Te Peeti Te Awe Awe, George Snelson and Louisa Snelson among others.

The MS Art Group is a group of artists who meet weekly in a supportive environment, we are linked by Multiple Sclerosis. As a group, we have been meeting for 16 years. We have been fortunate to have the support of tutors Lorna Van der Lijn (who beganthe group), and more recently Dr. Rom Rudski, who meets with us each month. In the past 12 months Rom has focused on New Zealand art, taking examples from from various artists. This is reflected in some of the works displayed.

In an era where the distinction between AI-generated content and reality is increasingly blurred, Micheline Robinson invites us to engage in a thoughtful and playful exploration with her new series, “Disjointed.” The exhibition offers a visceral experience that reflects, through her optical illusions, the pervasive sense of fragmentation in today’s world. Through meticulous layering of inks on carved panels, the strategic interplay of light and shadow, and the emergence of organic forms that oscillate between the familiar and the enigmatic, the artwork does more than occupy the walls; it transports the observer to another plane, where we are reminded of our material existence and the beauty that can be found within it. This installation not only represents the artist’s personal response to the disjointed nature of modern life but also evokes a sense of escapism, inviting the audience to feel the weight of the unseen, question the fabric of reality, and actively participate in the narrative of their times. Each piece in “Disjointed” serves as a catalyst for personal reflection, urging visitors to explore the depths of human emotion and consciousness in this era of pervasive illusion.

My collection of contemporary woven kete is a deeply personal exploration of connection—both to the natural world and to the rich legacy of our Māori ancestors. Each kete weaves together strands of flax and leather, blending traditional Māori weaving techniques with modern materials to create pieces that honor both the past and the present.

Creative Journeys is a Social Arts & Performance Hub where people with Intellectual and Physical disabilities develop, explore their creative talents. At Creative Journeys we embrace difference and encourage our people to give everything a go. We want to teach them that there is no right or wrong in the world of Art & Creativity.

The ‘Kubini’ (imaginary creation in Swahili) exhibition is an African Comic Art exhibition.
For several years, African authors and artists have been making their mark on the Western comics scene, in particular in France, Belgium, Luxemburg and Switzerland. This has allowed the European public to discover the vitality, richness and creativity of African comics.
‘Kubuni’ showcases African comics around three main axes: yesterday, today and tomorrow. It brings together the works of more than fifty comic book authors from sub-Saharan Africa.

Gunhild creates objects that twist quotidian narratives and infuses them with the uncanny, playful and absurd.
She grew up in West Germany in an era of a fibre arts revival. Gunhild gained her B.Ed. with majors in Art and Crafts at Leuphana University-Lüneburg in 1983. Some years later, she moved to the USA, and after some more years, settled in Aotearoa.
Gunhild has been creating across genres all her life. She has also been mixing genres with growing enthusiasm.
This exhibition is the culmination of years of playing around with genres, media, myths, fairytales and gravity.

This exhibition is by students of the Maunga Kura Toi Bachelor of Māori Art Degree of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
The programme encompasses all aspects of Māori weaving and maintains the practices and techniques of the tūpuna (ancestors).
Te Wānanga O Aotearoa
Centennial Drive
Hokowhitu Campus
Palmerston North
0800355553

In Making Memories, I share my experiences and observations, inspired by emotions, family bonds, and human interaction. In our fast-paced world, this collection serves as a reminder to slow down and savour the beauty in everyday experiences and relationships.

I am a full-time artist here in Palmerston North, and I predominantly work with acrylic paint but love to explore mixed media for its creative freedom, allowing me to play with colour, texture, and abstract form.

Through my work, I hope to evoke a sense of connection, resonating with viewers’ personal experiences and reminding us of our shared humanity.

@MicheleTheobaldArtist
MicheleTheobald.co.nz

I am a landscape photographer based in Palmerston North. In my own backyard of our property on the outskirts of town, I am constantly greeted by an ever-changing canvas of landscapes. Each day brings new light, colours and textures, inspiring me to capture the unique beauty in my surroundings and transform it into stunning visual narratives.

Instagram: @anna_bootle
Email: bootles@xtra.co.nz

Wouna le Roux is a Master of Design student at UCOL-Te Pūkenga Whanganui. The theme of her research is liminality – the in-between or middle phase of rites of passage. This phase is also known as the transformational stage of a rite, and is marked by confusion, ambiguity, and uncertainty. Liminality is a linear process, irreversible. Something must die (symbolically) to be reborn.