“Stoke - 'An Adventure in Art' - Unleashes Creative Diversity”

The Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre Stoke. Photo supplied Nelson City Council.

"Stoke's Artistic Triumph: 'An Adventure in Art' Exhibition Shines at Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre"

Stoke, mid August - A vibrant and inclusive celebration of art unfolded at the Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre in a week-long extravaganza titled 'An Adventure in Art - A Collaborative Exhibition Exploring All that ART is.' Artists from Stoke came together to present their astonishing creations, showcasing an extraordinary range of talent and creativity that captivated visitors from near and far.

Organized by Gareth Cashin, the Greenmeadows Center Manager, in collaboration with Karen Scott, Assistant Administrator, and in partnership with Karen Loten, from Art Group Nelson, this event featured an extensive array of art forms that left a profound impact. From enchanting crafts and compelling photography to emotionally stirring music and captivating designs, the exhibition vividly portrayed the rich tapestry of artistic creativity within the Stoke community.

From the left, Gareth Cashin, the Greenmeadows Centre Manager and Karen Scott, the Greenmeadows Centre Administrator. Photo supplied by the Greenmeadows Centre.

The journey leading to this remarkable event was marked by meticulous planning, hard work and dedication. Karen Scott recounted, "Gareth and I had a vision after the success of last year's Winter exhibition by 'Art Group Nelson.' We wanted art to become a wider community event, so we reached out to about 20 participating groups from Stoke, inviting them to be part of 'An Adventure in Art.’ The idea was to bring people into the Greenmeadows Centre and showcase a diverse range of amazing creative groups, providing something for everyone. The response was truly heartening."

The exhibition showcased the talents spanning generations, encompassing both the young and the elderly, thus fostering a sense of inclusivity and togetherness. This display of unity was represented through various art forms, ranging from the intricate to the expressive, leaving visitors in awe.

Karen Scott, with part of the Whanake Youth's exhibition. Photo R Therkleson.

Throughout the week, the Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre transformed into a dynamic hub of creative expression, hosting a diverse lineup of artists and groups. Dancers from 'Get Real Dancers' set the stage with Highland Dancing performances, followed by the soul-stirring 'Stoke Senior's Choir' members and a full house of senior supporters who came from local Retirement Villages to enjoy the Choir and have a cuppa.

Stoke Senior's Choir. Photo supplied by the Greenmeadows Centre.

Then the Whanake Youth's captivating photographic exhibition of rangatahi local youth inspired public art. "A superb colourful selection of photos," Karen Scott said of this exhibit.

Part of the Whanake Youth's  exhibition. Photo supplied by the Greenmeadows Centre.

The 'Nelson Camera Club', Nayland College Visual Arts Students, and 'Art Group Nelson' took centre stage in Stoke. These groups brought their unique artistic styles, creating a captivating contrast for visitors. From the precision and creativity of the camera club's photography to Nayland College's students showcasing various artistic disciplines and Art Group Nelson's diverse creations, the exhibition offered a rare opportunity to experience a wide range of art forms. Each group's presentation reflected their dedication and individual perspectives, adding depth to the overall artistic experience and leaving art enthusiasts captivated.

Part of the Nelson Camera Club's exhibition. Photo supplied by Karen Scott.

Karen Scott said, “just under 900 people came through the centre during this time. Visitors were very impressed with the high standard of all the exhibits and particularly with the beautiful photographic images produced by 'Nelson Camera Club'.”

Part of the Art Group Nelson exhibition. Photo supplied by Karen Scott.

Karen also highlighted the significance of Nayland College's involvement, remarking on the students' enthusiasm for displaying their art. "It was wonderful to 

The opening night of the Nayland College Visual Arts Students exhibition. Photo supplied by the Greenmeadows Centre.

see the student art on display, I knew they could do it!  The students were absolutely thrilled. On the opening night of their exhibition there were about 140 people here at the event. The students were delighted, they were really delighted, the thrill for me was going into the room and seeing students taking selfies with their families in front of their artwork - they were so proud!

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Credit to Gilligan Wood for this pictorial artwork. Photo of Gilligan Wood's art supplied by Nayland College Visual Arts.

Gilligan Wood's statement about his artwork is as follows:

"After being forced by her parents to go on an adventure camp, Jodie thinks her summer is about to be over before it has even begun. But when she and her two friends Mark and Herb stumble across a strange floating rock covered in mysterious symbols in the middle of the forest she is thrown into a summer of adventure and action. Some of my inspiration has been from reading other graphic novels such as the Amulet series by Kazu Kibuishi and the Ghostopolis book by Doug TenNapel. I find the sense of adventure and intrigue that these graphic novels invoke to be very appealing and I want to emulate that in my work."

(More art from Nayland College Visual Arts is at the end of the article.)

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The Visual Arts Department at Nayland College fosters students' artistic experimentation, expression, and identity development, encouraging them to explore various aspects of art, including identity, culture, ethnicity, ideas, feelings, moods, beliefs, political views, and personal perspectives, as demonstrated by their impressive displayed artwork.

The ‘An Adventure in Art’ event included the Stoke Seniors Art Exhibition, treating the public to a wealth of beautiful artwork available for purchase. As seniors and other attendees savoured their art, they also indulged in a cuppa, creating a delightful atmosphere of appreciation and enjoyment.

The Drama Group ‘Acting Up’ took part, a little drama group that does skits and improvisations. It was an interesting mixed performance of comedy sketches and with great laughter enjoyed with a great cuppa.

'Acting Up' Seniors. Photo supplied by Karen Scott.

The exhibition broadened its scope to an exquisite solo exhibition by 'Vaughan Scott Images,' showing off a body of photographic work from travels in Uganda and Kenya. There were about 50 people who came to the solo exhibition and it was really amazing.

Vaughan Scott Images exhibition. Photo supplied by Karen Scott. 

A very proud Vaughan Scott with one of his photos from his Africa's Child exhibition. Photo supplied by Karen Scott.

'An Adventure in Art' exhibition extended its embrace to different art forms, including screen printing, weaving, floral art, and even cake decoration. Interactive sessions, dubbed 'open studios,' allowed visitors to engage firsthand with the creative clubs, fostering connections and enticing new members to join. Just about all groups gained new members.

The 'Isle Floral Circle' hosted an open studio event with captivating floral art demonstrations and stunning installations, where a passionate group of artists transform flowers, plant materials, leaves, sticks, and an array of natural elements into imaginative designs. The group fosters a communal spirit of sharing expertise and enthusiasm for all things botanical. Karen Scott, praised the event for showcasing vibrant floral artistry, drawing in admirers and enthusiasts.

The Isel Floral Circle showed off their beautiful floral art. Photo supplied by Karen Scott.

Several open studios were hosted as part of the 'New Zealand Textile Experiences' event. Judith Ritchie led a hands-on screen printing session, adding a splash of fun to fabric printing. Karuna Peralta showcased her beautiful looms, inviting participants to experiment with weaving using vibrant yarns. Colleen Plank wowed the audience with contemporary felt-making techniques, while Maggy Johnston imparted knowledge on crafting small contemporary sculptures using repurposed materials and simple craft skills.

NZ Textile Experiences - Karen Peralta showcased her colourful weaving. Photo supplied by Karen Scott.

NZ Textile Experiences - Maggy Johnston crafting contemporary sculptures. Photo supplied by Karen Scott

The 'Nelson Embroiderers Guild' opened their studio, showcasing members' intricate embroidery works and offering the chance to observe this delicate art form in action. Meanwhile, the 'Nelson Cake Decorators and Sugar Art' members hosted two public workshops, providing insights into the art of cake decorating and sugar artistry. Finally, the 'Nelson Quilters' displayed samples of their traditional quilting art and invited visitors to try their hand at the sewing machines.

Nelson Embroiderers Guild showing their delicate embroidery work. Photo supplied by Karen Scott.

The Nelson Quilters display with handy tips being discussed. Photo supplied by Karen Scott.

The ‘Jane Pascoe Movement’ Dancers presented a splendid preview of their 2023 show ‘Dancing through the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.’ Jane Pascoe said, “the young dancers performing at the Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre's ‘Adventure in Art’ was the perfect time for the dancers to prepare for their three sell out performances, at the Theatre Royal, the following week.” 

Jane Pascoe Movement Dancers previewing their 2023 show 'Dancing through the 50's, 60's and 70's.'  Photo supplied by Karen Scott.

The event also featured thought-provoking films presented by Karen Scott and her husband Vaughan Scott who organised the 'Top of the South Filmmakers' contribution ‘Flicks on Friday,’ adding a cinematic touch to the artistic journey. Karen Scott said, “We screened ten short films from the 2021 and 2022 Film Festival at the Suter Theatre.” A list of the films shown is below.

The house was full for the ‘Flicks on Friday’ and there are active people who would like to become involved in the filmmakers society. If anyone wants to know more about the Top of the South Filmmakers you may contact them here: secretary@tsfilmmakers.org.nz

As the final notes of the Nelson Youth Choir resonated through the Greenmeadows Centre on Sunday, August 20, the event drew to a close. Gareth Cashin, the Centre Manager, reflecting on the event's resounding success, acknowledged the incredible talent within Stoke and hinted at the possibility of its return.

The Nelson Youth Choir sang splendidly on the final day resonating through the Greenmeadows Centre. Photo supplied by Karen Scott.

“There has been overwhelming support and feedback from the participating groups and from the event visitors. In relation to repeating the event next year we have to look at the huge amount of work in creating and presenting the event, which we will consider together with the feedback from all the groups who took part,” Gareth Cashin, co-organiser said.

Karen Scott, co-organiser concluded, "Incredible talent resides in Stoke alone. I believe we will continue this journey next year, learning from the feedback and enhancing our efforts to make it even more exceptional. Despite a little rain, the event was a resounding success.” 

As curtains fell on 'An Adventure in Art' 2023, the Greenmeadows Centre stood as a testament to the power of art in uniting communities and kindling creative sparks. The event's triumphs are bound to resonate beyond its culmination, leaving an indelible mark on the Stoke community's artistic landscape.

FURTHER ARTWORK FROM NAYLAND COLLEGE STUDENT VISUAL ARTS  THAT WERE ON DISPLAY AT 'AN ADVENTURE IN ART'

Credit to Lucy Mahuika for her detailed artwork. 

 Photo supplied by Nayland College Visual Arts.

Lucy Mahuika's statement about her artwork is as follows:

I am passionate about my Maori culture. I like to explore a lot of different designs and meanings. Each time I create a drawing I add my own twist to it. No designs are going to be the same.

Credit to Leon Fenemor for his detailed artwork. 

 Photo supplied by Nayland College Visual Arts.

Leon Fenemor's statement about his artwork is as follows:

Hello my name is Leon. I have a passion for flying and have been selling these artworks to help fund my pilots license. You can see all my works on my Facebook or Instagram account which is Leon Fenemor NZ Aviation Art.

Congratulations to Leon, for using his art to fund his other passion flying - help him on his way!

 

Credit to Gilligan Wood for his detailed artwork. 

 Photo supplied by Nayland College Visual Arts.

Gilligan Wood's statement about his artwork is as follows:

I want to express the style and mood of life in the 1980's for my Level 3 Photography portfolio, while also including some surrealistic themes and imagery. I have taken inspiration from different art mediums used by the mid-20th Century film director Alfred Hitchcock and German/English Photographer Bill Brant from the early 20th Century.

Credit to Logan Miao for his detailed artwork. 

 Photo supplied by Nayland College Visual Arts.

Logan Miao's statement about his artwork is as follows:

The concept that I am basing my work on, is an imaginary personal racing brand (MIA086). I am creating merchandise and themed designs for the brand. My inspiration for the theme and styles of my work are from the likes of 'Need for Speed’, game posters and covers, these portray a neon Synth-wave style that utilises aggressive angles, vibrant colours, and eye-catching fonts to make an engaging visual.

Credit to Brooklyn Leary for his detailed artwork. 

 Photo supplied by Nayland College Visual Arts.

Brooklyn Leary's statement about his artwork is as follows:

My inspiration for my artwork this year is my WHAKAPAPA. A lot of my pieces are based on my Koro/Granddad. My family name is Rangiriri Kohe. I have documented his tangi/funeral in remembrance oh him.

The Nayland College Visual Art was displayed like this at the exhibition 'An Adventure in Art.' Photo supplied by Nayland College Visual Arts.

'Flicks on Friday' programme: 

Top of The South Filmmakers

Flicks on Friday

Death Round Every Bend - Historical Drama

A short film about the infamous 1866 ‘Maungatapu Murders’ by the Burgess/Kelly Gang, in the hills behind Nelson, New Zealand. Shot in the very place where the events took place. 

Directed by Aaron Falvey | Written by Justin Eade

Belvedere Excelsior

A young man who works backstage at a theatre dreams of one day treading the boards instead of sweeping them.

Directed & Edited by Douglas Brooks | Written & Produced by Justin Eade

Rock Bottom – Drama 2021

An ageing boxer who refuses to quit has an honest conversation with his coach and trainer, but can they talk him round before his impending fight?

Written & Directed by Aaron Falvey | Starring Douglas Brooks & Ian Lesa

Christmas Cracker – Comedy - 2022

Christmas is a time for peace and goodwill to all men. Well, perhaps not all men. There’s always some mean-spirited Scrooge ready to pour cold water on the festive

season, never mind the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. All it takes is one small child to show Ebenezer the errors of his ways.

Directed & Produced by Alexei D’Ath

The British Broadcasting Corporal – Narrative 2022

Cockney Bert Withers, an impoverished, hungover, third-rate actor, somehow becomes the posh and upbeat voice behind the stirring British Newsreel films during the war.

Winner Best International Short 2022 Sherwood Players International Film Festival.

Written & Directed by Justin Eade.

Intermission

The Bind – now titled – The Predicament - Narrative

Teenager Fleur’s loyalty to her pregnant mum is put to the test whem her volotile step dad makes a risky decision that jeopardises them all.

Winner Best Movie Top of The South Film Festival 2022.

Directed by Monica Pausina | Written by Monica Pausina & Joya Devine

James Blond - Comedy 2021

A jaded spy is about to be ‘retired’ by a hitwoman, but she makes the mistake of allowing him a few final words. 

Directed by Jonathan Lopardo | Written by Justin

Eade

Tinsel Over Twizel – Romantic Comedy 2021

Tired of unrealistic romantic musicals, a reigning Bollywood queen films a movie in the rugged New Zealand high country, but when she’s forced to star opposite a rough Kiwi horse wrangler she soon finds more realism than she bargained for.

Directed by Pamela Guha | Written by Justin Eade

Uncle Bill – Narrative- 2022

Bill is a lonely soul and feels sorry for himself and his life. His niece’s charm and vitality wins Bill over and he starts to enjoy spending time with him.

Written & Produced by Jochaim Lang | Directed, DoP, Edited and Sound by Vaughan Scott

The Collector

Set in the near future, the ultimate prize arrives for a reclusive collector.

Best Director, Best Cinematography & Best Sound/Music - Top of The South Film Festival 2020

Directed, DoP, Edit & Sound by Daniel Allen | Written & acted by Paul Hargreaves

War Paint – Drama 2021

A young british soldier is shot and dying before the ramparts of a Pa during the 1864 invasion of the Waikato. He has given up all hope and resigns himself to death, when a young Maori woman mysteriously comes to his aid.

Written & Directed by Justin Eade

Pigeon Post News, Richmond.

Police Search and Rescue deployed by helicopter this morning to the area of the ‘help’ sign in the sand at Lake Ahaura.

 

Lake Ahaura Help sign seen on the beach

Police Update – concerning ‘help’ sign, seen at Lake Ahaura

Saturday, 2 September 2023 - 3:42pm | Tasman Police

Police Search and Rescue deployed by helicopter this morning to the area of the ‘help’ sign in the sand at Lake Ahaura.

The team has conducted a search of the area, and nothing of significance has been located.

Additionally, no information has been received that would suggest anyone is in immediate danger.

The search team will now stand down, pending any new information received.

If you have any information to share, you can still get in touch on 105, quoting event number P055875858.

Issued by Police Media Centre - Saturday 2 Sep. 2023

Background:

Yesterday, Friday afternoon the Tasman Police were asking the public for any information to determine the

circumstances of a ‘Help’ sign drawn in the sand on the shoreline of Lake Ahaura shown in the photo above.

Yesterday Police were also asking to hear from anyone who knows of parties having gone into that area recently and they would also like to hear from anyone who may have written the message and who may now be safe and well. 

If you have any information to share, you can still get in touch on 105, quoting event number P055875858.

Pigeon Post News Richmond

Government support a little late

Maitai River in flood through Nelson 18 August 2022

Govt at long-last has  support for Nelson recovery from last years weather event

Relief for homeowners in Nelson has been a long-time coming, over a year, after the terrible floods in August last year. Those that received damage on the East Coast of the North Island in a more recent storm have received relief already and have not had to wait as long as homeowners in Nelson. If it wasn’t for election year they may have waited longer - here is the Beehive press release.

Nelson homeowners severely impacted by the extreme weather event of August 2022 will be able to access Government support, including a buyout deal for their damaged homes, subject to agreement from Nelson City Council.

“For a small number of Nelson homeowners the impacts from last August’s severe weather event have been similar to those affected by the North Island Weather Events,” Grant Robertson said.

“I asked officials to consider proposals from Nelson City Council to support those affected that are consistent with the approach taken by the Government to support the regions affected by flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle.”

“Nelson City Council has identified 14 households where landslide risk is too high for people to return to their homes, but the costs to mitigate the risk is prohibitive. The Mayor asked the Government to consider sharing the costs for these homeowners to be offered a buyout deal.”

“Consistent with the approach taken in affected regions in the North Island, the Government and Nelson City Council will contribute 50 percent each to the net cost of this buyout. The net cost is the amount above the insurance and EQC payments received by the homeowner, with the Government’s contribution expected to be up to $6 million.”

“The Government has also asked the Ministry of Social Development to work with the Cyclone Recovery Unit on providing temporary accommodation assistance to families in acute financial hardship. MSD is currently establishing a payment that we hope will be delivered within the next few weeks.”

“These families remain out of their houses, are paying a mortgage on that house and their insurance-paid support for rent has run out. This assistance will relieve some of the financial pressure they are under while the circumstances associated with their houses are resolved.”

“The August 2022 weather event caused numerous landslips affecting residential areas in Nelson. A council taskforce has identified 18 significant slips on Council owned land that affect private properties. Of these, work to date considers that 16 of these can be remediated to the standard they were before the event and made more resilient to future events.”

“The Government will contribute 50 percent of the cost to remediate these 16 slips, at a cost of up to $6 million.”

“The Government has also agreed to pay for ongoing monitoring using specialised equipment of the Tāhunanui Slump, an area in Nelson that moves around 10cm a year, for the next ten years. The total cost of this will be $300,000. We will also consider a contribution to funding of the replacement of storm water systems in Nelson in the future.”

“Overall, the Government will contribute $12.3 million to support Nelson’s recovery and provide certainty to those affected so they can move on with their lives,” Grant Robertson said.

Government Press Release 1 Sep 2023

Pigeon Post News Richmond

METSERVICE MONTHLY OUTLOOK

 

August 2023 – A chilly end to winter 

New Zealand’s weather pattern during the final month of winter saw frequent impacts from cold southwesterly weather systems that brought bouts of wind, rain and snow across much of the country, very characteristic of developing El Niño conditions. Auckland experienced the coldest month in over a decade, while the North Island ski fields saw frequent top-ups which led to the best conditions in recent years.

Not to be out-done, the South Island also saw below average temperatures with Nelson recording the coldest month since 2004. Snow also fell to low-levels multiple times during the month and impacted the high-level roads on numerous occasions.

The final fortnight of winter saw predominant high pressure in the Tasman Sea bringing generally fine weather across the board, with hard morning frosts across the South Island and parts of the North Island, intermixed with the odd westerly front. However, this period of relative calm is unlikely to persist into spring as weather systems line up from the north and west to take aim at New Zealand.

Climate Drivers

The United States weather agency NOAA declared the start of El Niño conditions with the potential for a significant event by summer, while their Australian counterpart BoM is likely to confirm onset over the coming weeks. Despite this discrepancy, New Zealand is likely to see continuing El Niño-related impacts over the coming months, which include a more active and volatile westerly flow. This may be bolstered by a Positive Indian Ocean Dipole event, which is now looking likely to develop this spring which would enhance the westerly flow of weather across the country.

September 2023 Outlook

Spring begins with a subtropical low driving southwards across the upper North Island, with heavy easterly rain likely for those regions. Meanwhile, high pressure reigns supreme further south with below average rainfall likely over the South Island. 

Temperatures should trend well above average in the north, while southern regions see cold and frosty mornings followed by pleasant afternoons under largely blue skies.

The second week of September sees high pressure depart eastwards, which allows a build-up of westerly fronts to sweep across the country. These features will generally be quick-moving, with most regions seeing near-average rainfall and temperatures. However, the southern part of the South Island may trend slightly drier (and warmer) as weak ridging attempts to build in-between the fronts.

A weak low pressure anomaly returns across the South Island and part of the North Island during the third week of the month, indicating a slightly more active southwesterly weather pattern. 

An uptick in quick-moving fronts bringing bursts of heavy rain, wind and potentially late-season snow about higher-levels is possible, along with temperatures trending a bit below average with a possible cold snap. 

This anomaly moves offshore during the final week of the month, with New Zealand likely to see a mix of weak westerly fronts and drier weather. Cool mornings are likely to persist as the month of September comes to an end.

MetService - for farmers, croppers an home gardeners

Pigeon Post News

Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency launches early National Wildfire Readiness and Prevention campaign

Fire and Emergency is urging people to start preparing for the risk of wildfire early as hotter drier weather is forecast this summer.

Service Delivery Wildfire Manager Tim Mitchell says the forecast higher temperatures, reduced rainfall and windier El Niño weather pattern predicted for this summer is likely to cause higher levels of fire danger on the east coasts of both islands.

"Given this year’s flood events and wet conditions, people will likely find it difficult to understand the wildfire risk New Zealand could be facing soon," he says.

"But a spell of hot dry windy weather will quickly dry out the grass and vegetation that has grown and will likely grow over the coming months, due to the moist soils and return to warmer weather. This will become a fire risk if not managed.

"Ninety-eight per cent of New Zealand wildfires are caused by people and people can do a great deal to prevent wildfires occurring and to help protect themselves and their property," Tim Mitchell says.

Fire and Emergency is encouraging people living in rural and semi-rural areas to prepare their properties by:

- keeping the grass short, particularly around their house and other structures

- moving firewood and other flammable materials well away from their house

- clearing the gutters so hot embers can’t lodge in them

- clearing accessways and making sure rapid address numbers are visible, and

• having a plan of action if they are involved in a vegetation fire.

Starting this month Fire and Emergency will provide location-specific, live fire danger advertisements if the level is High, Very High or Extreme through social channels, YouTube and Google search.

From late September, social media, online video, digital display, and radio will prompt semi-rural and rural dwellers to prepare their homes and properties for a wildfire.

People can also access real-time and localised fire danger levels and fire season information on MetService’s desktop and app platforms.

Before lighting a fire or doing anything that emits heat or sparks, people need to always check their local fire danger level at checkitsalright.nz.

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand 1 Sep 2023 

Pigeon Post News Richmond Tasman