Art comes to Queens Gardens

Fifty years of Art in the Park is being celebrated this weekend at Queens Gardens.

More than 40 artists from Art Group Nelson will be selling their original artwork at the free event on Saturday 14 January.

Art Group Nelson was formed in 1970 and now has more than 120 members.

Local artists Desiree Henry and Brian Dobson will be taking part in the exhibition.

Brian remembers his first time at the exhibition in 1983 and has been part of Art Group Nelson for 40 years, on and off.

Brian works in water colour, mostly landscapes painted onsite.

After moving to Australia to paint professionally, Brian came back to Nelson and says he is looking forward to Saturday’s event.

“I’ve exhibited all around Australia, but this one is special. It has a real buzz about it and people always look forward to it.”

For Desiree, this will be her first time exhibiting at Queens Gardens after joining the group last year.

The former fashion designer moved to Tasman from Christchurch after the 2011 earthquakes.

She says it was her love for art and flowers that lead to create her unique style of fluid art, which is created using acrylic paint mixed with pouring medium and water.

Two of her pieces were accepted in the Tasman National Art Awards and she is also a member of the Mapua Art Group.

“Meeting with other artists and viewing their styles and work is very inspiring,” she says.  

If raining, the exhibition will be held on Sunday 15 January.