Artsenta still thriving

Artsenta associate director Kari Morseth at the Dunedin Community Gallery yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
Artsenta associate director Kari Morseth at the Dunedin Community Gallery yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
The diverse range of art made at Artsenta is showcased in its annual exhibition, which opened in Dunedin yesterday.

Artsenta associate director Kari Morseth said a highlight of the more than 150 works on display at the Dunedin Community Gallery was the large number of ceramics, many created while potter Jim Cooper worked with Artsenta artists over the past few months.

Some of the works were for sale and money went to the artist.

''Sales is not necessarily the focus. They are proud of their work and they want to show it,'' Ms Morseth said.

Artsenta is a shared art studio for people who are part of the mental health community.

It began as the creative expression unit at Cherry Farm Hospital in 1986 before moving to Dunedin City and becoming Artsenta.

Artsenta had about 180 artists each year, Ms Morseth said.

Artist Sally Robillard, of Dunedin, said at the exhibition she was selling postcards bearing images depicting the lives of four students and a ginger cat.

''It's about capturing student life in North Dunedin.''

She also was exhibiting a watercolour.

Ms Robillard said she loved being part of Artsenta's proud history.

''It's a completely accepting environment and the staff are hugely generous. Artsenta has been going for nearly 30 years, so you feel like there is a history of artists behind you.''

The exhibition is open on weekdays between 10am and 5pm until October 23.

shawn.mcavinue@odt.co.nz

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