Strong community support was evident at the opening of two local exhibitions at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi — Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre last Friday night. The Visual Expressions exhibition showcases a selection of local pottery, woodturning, textiles and painting in the Sheaff Family Gallery, while the conceptually-driven installation Ground Hum by Jordan Davey-Emms is being held in the Whakatāne Community Board Gallery.

Whakatāne Museum and Arts Coordinator Victoria Sinclair says the District is fortunate to have such talented artists in our community.  “It really is a privilege to be able to showcase works of this calibre at Te Kōputu,” she says, “and also to support emerging artists by offering them a professional platform in which they can develop and exhibit new work. But it is also great for the public to be able to see different creative styles and approaches to art-making up close and in the gallery environment, and these two shows in particular really have something for everyone.”

Visual Expressions exhibition runs until 15 October and Ground Hum runs until 10 September 2017. Complimentary exhibition catalogues are also available for all gallery visitors.