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"Famous Artist's Works In Ashhurst"

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Description: This image was published in the October 1st, 1978, edition of the Tribune weekly newspaper.

The short article read: “A New Zealand artist who is famous for his paintings of birds, fish and other wildlife will be the special guest artist at the Ashhurst-Pohangina Centennial Association's annual art exhibition this week.

It's the first time that his works have been exhibited - normally he only paints on commission. Last night he was at the show in person, when it was officially opened. The artist is Ron Commetti. The show is being held in the Ashhurst Town Hall.

The association’s secretary, Raewyn Rosenbrook, said ‘the week-long show will be open every day from 11.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m. except for Thursday and Friday, when it will remain open until 10.00 p.m. The show, closes next Saturday.

Mrs Rosenbrook said last year's. three-day show was such a success that it was decided to make this year's show a week-long affair. The show is being held to raise funds for a new Ashhurst town hall.

Speaking about the show itself, Mrs Rosenbrook said Ron Commeti's works have gained fame through being used on a Rank Xerox calendar. The originals of the calendar pictures will be on show, as well as other more recent paintings. The latter works will be for sale – the former are not, she added.

Exhibitors from all over New Zealand have entered works in the show. Demonstrations of their various crafts will be held every day that the show is open.

One of the more unusual exhibits will be a display of brass rubbings taken from memorials in England. Some of the memorials were 700 years old, she said, and they include an image of the tomb of Robert the Bruce, and Anne Bolyn's father, as well as more ‘interesting and gruesome’ rubbings. The rubbings have been loaned by a Palmerston North woman, Lynne Barker. People attending will be able to ‘have a go’ at brass rubbing at the show, she added.

They'll also be able to try their skills at cake icing, and things like embroidery, macrame, pottery, cane work, leatherwork, china painting, ceramics, poker woodwork or willow cane work.”

This image forms part of the Manawatū Evening Standard Negative Collection. Unfortunately, only negatives between April and December 1978 are held.