Celebrating community

Club Bana Art gallery’s latest art exhibition opened with a preview on Tuesday evening.
Timed to coincide with Te Maeva Nui, it’s theme is “The signs of my community-Te au akairo o toku matakeinanga.”
Curated by Mereana Hutchinson, the show features 36 works by 19 local artists – Michael Tavioni, Mereana Hutchinson, Taueu Andrew, Kanoe Aquino, Papa Ataera, Ani Exham Dun, Maria File, Holger Hasselmann, Jeane Humphreys, Itiki, Lito, Wolfgang Losacker, Ana Makara, Jason Martin, Loretta Reynolds, Dernice Rongo, Varu Samuel, Eddie Taripo, Sandra Ritua Tisam and Julia Tuake.
All works for sale.
Opening formalities were handled by emcee Mauri Toa. Pastor Bobby Matapo said the opening prayer and Joan Gragg was called upon to say a few words. She thanked the Club Bana for its support of the arts and spoke of former Te Tika Mataiapo Dorice Reid’s vision of the creative arts holding a monthly arts festival. She praise those artists at the Punanga Nui who are keeping arts and crafts alive there, the likes of Merana Hutchinson, Ani Exham, Maria File, Mii Quarter and others.
Margaret Kariki Ariki then cut the line across the door to the Gallery to declare the exhibition open.
Other artists not featured in the exhibition but who turned up in support were; Jillian Sobieska, Judith Kunzle and Mahiriki Tangaroa.
Mereana said her favourite exhibit was the one by Itiki, a Mitiaro woman who has produced six pieces. Each piece depicts a Mitiaro feature painted on fragmented coconut shell.
Dernice Rongo has returned to exhibiting after a long break. Her small pieces are surprisingly affordable considering her immense talent as an abstract painter.
The show runs from 29 July to 6 August.

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