Making Connections

Artists are always connecting times and places, but Making Connections is more than just a snappy title for the Otago Art Society’s latest exhibition.

Since 2018, Ryman Healthcare has sponsored OAS exhibitions, and the network of those from both the Society and Ryman has strengthened and grown in that time.

The Society and Ryman are now looking forward to the spring exhibition start date of the 27th of November 2021. A couple of those with a real interest in the show are Ryman Dunedin-based staff member Mari Gomes-Bradford and the Society’s Hayley Rata Heyes. Hayley, an OAS council member, is both an artist and supporter of others working in their creative fields.

Hayley says one of the ‘connections’ was made by Mari when she began working at Yvette Williams Retirement Village on Highgate, shortly after moving to Dunedin. She was keen to meet more local people and joined OAS at the same time.

Mari soon saw the potential in combining her work and people’s interest in the creative process. She noticed how positively Yvette Williams’ residents responded to art, and knew the OAS was open to partnering with like-minded local businesses.

As a member of the OAS Council she has helped organise the Making Connections public exhibition, to be held at the Dunedin Railway Station from the 27th of November to the 18th of December.

Mari is happy the connection between her workplace and the OAS has continued over the past three years, and is planning to bring a group of residents from Yvette Williams village to come to see the exhibition once it is hung.

Mari says she is confident the spring show will be a real highlight for artists and residents alike. All works will be for sale, with prizes, totalling $1200, up for grabs.

Dunedin artist Michael Greaves will judge the exhibition, which is open to art of all mediums including painting, sculpture, and photography.

Ryman’s sponsorship has included the previously successful Ingredients exhibition, hosted by the OAS at an amazing venue in the railway station in December 2020. Those artworks inspired by favourite recipes from Ryman residents, who thoroughly enjoyed visiting the show on the official opening night.