A new Toi MAHARA exhibition is recognising the work of Kāpiti artists who grapple with the challenge of developing their art while juggling work or family commitments.
The Saturday Artists is an exhibition of 41 works by 12 artists—all members of what they call the Saturday Group that meets weekly at the Kāpiti Arts and Crafts Society’s rooms in Elizabeth Street, Waikanae.
“Saturday was chosen to accommodate those people who work during the week or have other commitments that get in the way of developing their artistic aspirations,” says exhibitor and until recently group convener, Ruth Cooper.
“The idea is to have suitable weekly time and space to work alongside and connect with each other’s ideas and practice.
“We have the opportunity to learn new skills, perhaps contribute to exhibitions and hopefully feel encouraged to keep exploring our work practice.
“Everyone works at their art at their own pace in a supportive, non-judgmental environment.”
The Saturday Artists started in 2016 and has grown to around 14 people living in the wider Kāpiti area.
Being an artist was a life-long goal for Ruth Cooper. But working in the health field was an obstacle to fulfilling the goal.
“It took a while to transition from the job to being an artist,” she says. “One role of the Saturday artists’ group is to help with this process.
“I’ve been painting and exhibiting for around 13 years in galleries and art shows.
“I’m driven, I paint every day if I can and I have developed my own preferred style and theme.”
She says that apart from friendship and being ‘art colleagues ‘ the shared Saturdays are very much a fertile ground for new ideas and experimentation—accompanied by helpful feedback and support.
“The invitation from Toi MAHARA is a chance to have our combined artworks exhibited in our beautiful local gallery. It’s a great honor and much appreciated.
“Hopefully it might inspire visiting undiscovered artists to explore their own creative potential and come and join us on Saturdays.”
The exhibition was opened by Kāpiti Coast District Council Waikanae Ward member Jocelyn Prvanov.
“Some of the works are simply stunning,” she said. “They encourage me to think that when I retire perhaps I will have a dabble.”
Toi MAHARA Director Janet Bayly said The Saturday Artists is the third exhibition to feature in the Gallery’s community space in which works can be seen from outside—an encouragement for people passing to come inside for a closer look. The Saturday Artists exhibition will be in the Community Space until 3 June, 2024.