Stories in Artwork Exhibition

Don't miss this special exhibition at Thistle Hall gallery from Tuesday next week.

Everyone has a Story is an exhibition of artwork by ten tenants living in Wellington City Council housing complexes. The exhibition comprises over 40 pieces of art, each responding to the theme - telling a story. There's a wide range of stories these artists have to tell including autobiographical, myth, yarn and fantasy.

Everyone has a Story is the sequel to the exhibition Complex Creative that was held at Toi Pōneke Gallery in May last year. That exhibition showcased the diversity of art and craft by talented individuals living in council housing complexes. The latest show focuses on fine art practices.

The Council's Arts and Culture portfolio leader , Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer says , "The first exhibition highlighted the amount of incredibly talented people living within council houses. This next show builds on that talent and has provided more opportunities for these artists to develop professionally."

A key group of council housing artists has emerged over the past year, including Bruce Hurley, Justin Tate and Kay McCormick. They have been responsible for organising this show coming up with the curatorial premise and promoting the exhibition. They call themselves WACHA ? Wellington Association of City Housing Artists, and will no doubt produce many more shows in the years to come.

"Working on the exhibition Everyone has a Story has been a great experience for us.

Together with Council staff and with assistance from Pablos and Vincents Art Workshop, we've organised a show from inception to realisation in a high profile community gallery space. It's given us the opportunity to collaborate with arts professionals as well as grassroots artists and to work at every stage of developing an exhibition."

Come see what stories these artists have to tell. The exhibition runs from Tuesday 22 until 26 November. Many of the works are for sale.