The Art Centre Helensville celebrated reopening after lockdown with two exhibitions curated by Manager Heather Steadman. The Turangawaewae exhibition featured beautiful work from local Maori artists Hoani Kii Keepa (NgatiManunui, NgatiTuwharetoa) and Bernette Malizia ((Ngati Whatua); the Rising Stars exhibition showed colourful work by local kindergarten, early childhood centre and primary school tamariki. The exhibitions were launched with an Open Day, featuring a shared lunch and a fabulous Chalkathonon the pavement and walls outside the Centre.
In July the AGM, which had been delayed by the COVID-19 lockdown, was held at the Art Centre. All members of the Board standing for the next financial year were elected unopposed: Leda Daniel (Chair); Helen Martin (Secretary): Sharon Hennessy (Treasurer); Jeff Thomson, Myra Lloyd, Raywin Cruikshank, Joanne Ogilvie (Committee). Lockdown has had a detrimental effect on funding and financial issues facing the Centre are ongoing.
On the bright side, an exhibition showing some of the great work made locally during lockdown opened on Friday 31st July and will run until Saturday 29th August, 
nd art journaling classes, designed to create wellbeing and run by Janet McLeod, will begin on Thursday 13th August 10.30am - 12.30pm.
Our weekly drawing sessions will be on Tuesday evenings 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th August from 7-8.30pm.
These will be open to anyone interested in having a go at drawing. Bring your own pencils and pens; paper provided. Cost: $5 per person.
Jeff Thomson will supervise the first evening and from there it’s a group effort to support each other along the way. Bring your own materials, pencil and paper (some paper available) and your willingness to experiment, learn and have fun. Just $5 per class, no need to register just come along.
Art journal image, by Janet McLeod
Thursdays 13th August - 10th September 10.30am - 12.30pm and just $10 per class due to a generous subsidy from Creative Communities NZ, you can do all five or select days.
Positive psychology and mindfulness are the themes, materials are supplied, just bring a journal or one can be purchased for $6 on the day. Email manager@artcentrehelensville.org.nz for more information, including Janet’s bio, and to register or pop into the Art Centre Thurs/Fri 10am -4.30pm, Sat 10-2pm.
