A group of Clyde artists are exhibiting and selling their work in a range of mediums at Central Stories from March 3-31. 

The exhibition is the culmination of several years of “coffee, cake and camaraderie” around a Clyde dining table, says Irene Weaver, one of the exhibiting artists. 

The name Studio 5 comes from the house number where they gather.

It began when artist and art tutor Ross Cowie, formerly of Dunedin, offered drawing lessons to a group who had met through a pottery group. 

After the initial classes were completed, the group wanted to continue, so over the years they have explored art in a variety of mediums.

Ross has previously specialised in printmaking but also explores other mediums. 

“More recently I have experimented with watercolour, a medium I was somewhat fearful of, but am now really enjoying,” he said.

Julie Notman “fell in love with coloured pencils”, using them to work on her detailed botanical drawings, but has also worked with etchings and is now exploring the use of a printing press.

Judy Campbell enjoys watercolor and silk painting, and her work focuses on flowers and birds.

Judy Campbell uses special dyes to paint silk

One of the more unusual art forms on display are the cyanotypes by Annetta Cowie.

These involve pressing leaves or flowers on prepared paper or fabric, covering them with glass, and then leaving them in the sun before rinsing. The UV light brings out an ethereal blue image.

Annetta Cowie’s eye-catching cyanotypes

The variety of art forms on display is certainly the hallmark of the exhibition, so it’s not surprising when potter-turned-artist Shona Horne said she still “can’t decide what I like best” when it comes to medium.

Demonstrations of various art techniques will be held several times during the exhibition.  

All the artists expressed excitement and nerves at putting their work on display. 

“It’s good scary,” Irene said. 

In opening the exhibition, Ross acknowledged the absence of one of the group. Artist Wyn Dryden who died recently had been instrumental in encouraging them to consider a public exhibition. Several of her works are on display with the support of her family. 

Patrons in attendance on opening night were impressed. 

The opening night crowd

“There’s lots of variety and they are very professional looking,” Otago Art Society member Esme Kilgour said. 

“Everyone could find something that they like.”

Just a few moments after the official opening, one of Annetta’s cyanotypes was removed from display – one attendee was going home with the artwork that had caught their eye – much to the delight of all the Studio 5 artists.

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