AGMs

Another somewhat grey day in the lovely Invercargill. Busy week with assessing, had the lovely Sam Mitchell here to visit and make some new ceramic work which is looking amazing so far - don't want to give too much away before it makes its debut but these are seriously porno disneyesque, I wouldn't want to see my garden Gnomes engaged in ummm well enough said. Two AGMs on Wednesday - the City Gallery Invercargill (or Southland Art Society) in which their illustrious leader Annie Bourque stood down as chairperson after nothing less than a spectacular year. Some depressing reading in the past AGM minutes in which it is voted that the Gallery should close reminds all present of the challenges faced by the Gallery and the committee in the 2014 year. The Gallery employed a new manager in 2014 - recent (2013) SIT Bachelor of Applied Media Arts graduate Aleisha Toomey who has been working hard alongside the committee to revitalise and re-imagine the City Gallery and its role in the Southland community. I have no doubt that newly elected Chairperson John Schol will continue this great work showcasing contemporary art practices while actively seeking to collaborate and engage with the local community. New to the fray in the capacity of Vice Chair is Alice Pottinger who assisted in the coordination of the Gallery's recent and very successful art auction held at the Civic Theatre. 

It was great to see members of the local art community present among others, Stephen Davies - Director of Anderson's Park and Tracey Wedge - Coordinator of Museum Operations at the Southland Museum & Art Gallery. So another year on the committee for me, it has certainly been impressive being witness to the Gallery's transformation thanks to so many who have contributed their time and resources to ensure its continuation. Fortunately my second AGM for the night was a twenty metre dash through the front entrance of the stately Invercargill Club (1891). Although Sam and I initially thought we may be the only women present in the meeting held in the Billiards room (complete with amazing leather couches and framed trout), it was pointed out that the others present were busy preparing dinner. Oh and of course we can't forget the lovely secretary Jill. Very formal meeting with all the business promptly taken care of, with evident concern for the maintenance and preservation of the spectacular historic house. Attendees were treated to a fabulous roast lamb dinner and the convivial company of fellow members. The Invercargill Club is one of those hidden treasures that perhaps many in the community are not aware of the existence of. The Club hosts events throughout the year and is open during the week from 3.30pm to around 7pm.I may even get the go-ahead to establish a Facebook and Twitter account after the idea was positively received at the meeting. Hoping to make it to the Erica Van Zon, Grabriella and Silvana Mangano opening night at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery next Friday.