Three years shy of 90, Stoke artist Gary Gibbens is preparing to showcase his latest work at Art Group Nelson’s 54th Annual Spring Exhibition this weekend and says he has no plans to put down the paintbrush any time soon.
In fact, the honorary life member and former president of the group says he will keep painting until he “falls off the stool”.
Gary reckons he has painted Mount Tasman about five times during his more than 40 years as a landscape artist.
“And I've sold it all times, too,” he states.
Mountains are a favourite subject for the artist, who has been involved with Art Group Nelson since the 1980s when membership was much smaller than the more than 120 artists it has today.
Originally from Greymouth, Gary’s interest in art dates back to childhood.
“There was no telly to watch, so you just lay on the floor and coloured in,” he says.
It was as an adult, while managing a furniture shop in Nelson, that he took up painting.
“I used to sell paintings that other people did. I used to think, ‘That looks easy’... so I started painting and sold a few.”
Since then, his work has found homes in countries including the United States, Canada, England and the Netherlands.
One of his proudest moments came when a painting of Mount Tasman was presented to the mayor of Grootegast in the Netherlands to mark the unveiling of Nelson’s Abel Tasman statue.
These days he paints from a small studio at his Stoke home, where an old Moutere barn is currently taking shape on his easel.
“It’s a good hobby,” he says.
“I don't paint to make money; I paint because I enjoy painting, no other reason. If people buy them, lovely. But if they don’t, I don’t really mind. I enjoy being in here with the radio on and seeing if I can make something out of something.”
Alongside Art Group Nelson, Gary also belongs to the Māpua Art Group and says being involved with art groups has introduced him to people from all walks of life.
“The beauty of it is that you meet so many people in all different groups. You have a really big range of people you can call friends.”
The group was formed as the Nelson Independent Art Group in 1971 before becoming Art Group Nelson in 2005. Today it includes everyone from beginners and hobby painters to professional artists.
Members meet monthly for guest speakers, practical sessions and discussions.
Its Spring Exhibition is one of two major exhibitions held each year, alongside Art in the Park at Queens Gardens.
This year’s exhibition will feature original works across a wide range of mediums, including oils and acrylics, watercolours, pastels, pen and ink, coloured pencil, mixed media, photography, glass, wood and clay.
Art Group Nelson president Sonja Walker says that supporting artists at all levels remains at the heart of the group.
“The Spring Exhibition showcases the incredible talent and enthusiasm of our members. Every available exhibition space was booked within hours, which reflects both the strength of the local arts community and the popularity of the event.
“We hope visitors enjoy the work on display and that it inspires the next generation of Nelson artists.”
Before the doors open to the public, entries will be judged by Nelson artist Jo Tyson, with awards presented at an opening evening on Friday, 11 September.
The exhibition is also part of An Adventure in Art, a community arts festival at Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre from 12 to 20 September, bringing together 14 art, cultural, performance and community groups from across Nelson Tasman.
Art Group Nelson’s 54th Annual Spring Exhibition is in the Tui Room at Pūtangitangi Greenmeadows Centre, Stoke, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, 12 September and Sunday, 13 September. Admission is free.
