The annual show by King Street Artworks got underway at Aratoi last Friday and at the opening, Aratoi patron Dame Robin White praised the unique place the studio has in the community. She noted that the name of this year’s show - 'Mauri Ora' - captures the passion, spirit (wairua) and commitment of the artists there.
King Street exhibitions also show the huge range of activities that are available to anyone who goes to the space, from ceramics, bone carving and crafts to painting and sculpture. It’s a place where you can try out something that you’ve always wanted to do. I’ve found the friendly, ‘can do’ attitude of the place energising. And seeing what others have achieved there has given me the push to be bolder in my art and try something new.
King Street was set up as a creative space for people who use, or have used mental health services and for their whanau and friends, but it is open to people from all walks of life. Fridays are special, being women only days, but otherwise the space is open to all from Monday to Thursday, 10am-3pm, and Saturday 10am-2pm. www.kingstreeartworks.co.nz.
NZPS fundraiser at Regent
New Zealand Pacific Studio is holding a fundraising screening of the Indian comedy-drama ‘The Lunch Box’ to kick off the NZ International Film Festival in Masterton. Money raised will go to supporting NZPS’s programme to provide sponsored and affordable residencies for artists working in many fields. Regent Cinema, Weds 3 Sept, 7.30pm. Refreshments from 7pm. Tickets $20 from Regent T: (06) 377 5479, or Di Grant T: (06) 377 1359.
Currently showing at Aratoi: King Street Artworks: 'Mauri Ora', until 12 Oct; ‘Hidden Faces, Hidden Gems’ - Wairarapa Camera Club, until 21 Sept; ‘WW100: Wairarapa’, until 7 Sept; ‘Nicki Stewart: Remember to Remember’, until 7 Sept; ; David Cauchi: 'Memories of the future', until 12 Oct. 
My Back Yard - Marie Beals
‘Books can take you anywhere’ - Grace Nelson