East Auckland artists have been creating Easter Art for the past 13 years as part of Stations of the Cross.
Exhibition organisers from Cession Community Trust are on the hunt for fresh perspectives and new artists in 2019.
Stations of the Cross Easter Art Exhibition first ran over Easter 2007 at the Depot in Lloyd Elmore Park. Brett Jones, local pastor and chair of Cession Community Trust recalls; “Stations grew from some pretty humble beginnings. A group of creatives who could see the possibilities for art engaging the universal human themes of Easter launched the first Stations experience. We wanted to create a journey through art that followed the Jesus’ walk to the Cross. It turned out to be something artists and art lovers really connected with.”
Over the years, Creative Communities, Lotteries Community and Howick Local Board have thrown their support in behind the event. The exhibition now takes place within a themed set that allows attenders to join artists on a journey through the art, across a range of media. Along the way, new artists have joined in.
Howick resident, Angela Sellers first exhibited several years ago when the themed exhibition space was created as a classic Kiwi bach – ‘The Bach‘.
“A colleague at the time asked if she could use some of my ‘Kiwiana style’ art work to display in an Easter art installation. My first glimpse of Stations was during set up when I dropped several pieces of work off at the venue. I later came back to see the end result and was really intrigued. Being new to faith and having just started my journey, that first experience with Stations of the Cross was a powerful one and led me to being involved in production the following year.”
Mrs Sellers subsequently joined the Stations Production Team, in various roles.
“Each year my involvement gives me a new creative outlet, whether it be through exhibiting or through set design. My artwork has grown and evolved as my journey takes shape and I have had opportunities to work alongside other creative and like-minded people which I value hugely. Stations is a project I look forward to being a part of every year. “
Ruth Hammond, another long-time Howick resident, got involved in 2018 when a family friend was taken with some art she had produced, having recently returned to painting after a long break. Her black and white liquid charcoal rendition of a rose was striking and attracted significant interest.
“It was amazing to be asked to exhibit and have the opportunity to have my work reflected upon in such a context. A black and white rose was an opportunity for people to see that new beginnings can come out of the tough things that happen in life. God, through nature, is doing that all the time.”
Mrs Hammond is exhibiting again in 2019 as she takes up the challenge of this years themed exhibition space in an urban street setting.
Artists can express interest in exhibiting in 2019 through email trust@cession.org.nz. A full artist’s brief will be provided on request. The Exhibition takes place across the Easter weekend April 19-21.
