Arts Group Gets a Permanent Home in Levin
The new home of the Horowhenua Arts Society in the Levin Public Gardens is a dream come true for its members.
Secretary Dorothy Burt said the society had been desperate have a permanent home after hiring rooms in various locations since 1949. In April this year, their vision was realised, with the completion of their own building.
"The society outgrew Thompson House and a lot of church halls and in the last 10 years had been hiring the Scottish Hall in Bartholomew Road," Mrs Burt said.
Having to set up and take away their easels, tables and other equipment at the end of each session was becoming onerous and the Society embarked on the building project with vigour.
"This building was originally proposed 10 years ago and a lot of people said it couldn't be done. It took a determined effort when at the 2006 AGM we got a 100 percent vote from our members to go ahead with the building."
"We looked at land at the Events Centre and other sites. Every time we went to find land there was various reasons why it wasn't appropriate."
In the end the Society drew up plans, formed a building committee, established what was needed and went from there.
Mayor Brendan Duffy suggested they look at an unused garden shed behind Thompson House.
"Councillors voted to sell the shed to us for $1, which was taken up enthusiastically. This now has a new floor, new walls and new roof and the new building is designed to mirror the look of Thompson House," she said.
Horowhenua District Council granted $20,000 from the Strategic Grant Fund towards the project. Eastern & Central Trust, Oxford Hotel Sports & Educational Trust, Southern Trust, Lotteries Grant Board, Pub Charities and the Helen Graham Trust contributed to the project.
The Arts Society held garage sales, cake stalls, exhibitions, an art auction, a fashion parade, raffles and had lots of support from local people who donated funds or bought $50 tiles."
The building cost $214,000 to complete and is available for hire during weekends and evenings. A school holiday programme for budding artists will be run in the September holidays.
Exhibitions at the Horowhenua Arts Society building at 119 Bath Street, Levin:
- Works by members of the society on display till 31 July 2008.
- Watercolour paintings by Pauline Hailwood of Manakau till 17 August 2008.
The gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
For bookings, contact Horowhenua Arts Society president Audrey Ockwell. Ph 3672663.
Horowhenua Arts Society secretary Dorothy Burt admires paintings at an exhibition of members' artwork.