We have again been privileged to have artist Jo Ogier taking a weekend workshop on printmaking here on 14-15 October at the Community Nursery. As soon as the word goes out I am inundated with bookings, such that a “reserves” list is usually needed. Concentrating on “leaves” the participants enjoyed learning various techniques from carving to painting to Gelli plates!!
Jo is very generous with her expertise – giving readily her information, tips on techniques, materials and the use of her vast array of different pens, crayons, paints, etching pens, different papers etc etc. The artwork which everyone produces, all in different ways from the same idea, is testament to Jo’s teaching style and her enthusiasm for her work.
Linda commented “our mark making differed greatly, but by looking closely at the beautiful shape, colour, details and texture of the leaves, along with new techniques and materials we were able to create a series of highly individual prints”. Look at the photos below to see just what she means.
Jo is a full-time artist and passionate about her conservation or nature art – if you are unfamiliar with Jo’s work have a look at her website at https://joogier.co.nz/
Next year Jo will be exhibiting at the Eastern Southland Gallery a collection of works in collaboration with the Gallery and Hokonui Rūnanga on many of the native species, which would have, or still live in and on the banks of the Mataura River. Linda and I had a sneak preview of one or two of the 28 panels Jo is drawing and painting and it will be amazing to see the works in their entirety in the Art Gallery. We will be sure to let you know when that is on, late next year.
We will be running a raffle of a print Jo kindly donated – proceeds to the Community Nursery. We will have the artwork on display in the Nature Centre and at any events prior to Christmas Break-up but in this digital age you can also purchase a ticket/s through internet banking for $5 a ticket – 031355 0645582 00 – make sure your name is in the reference field so that you are included in the draw which will be held at our Nursery Christmas Break-up event on Friday 15 December 23. See Gallery for this wonderful print.
Also, last opportunity to book in for the free Southland Ecological Restoration Network (SERN) bus trip to some great restoration sites in Central Southland – see poster for more details. SERN is a network of people doing work on the ground – you will see from the website that there are sites all over Southland. If you live near one of the sites then link up with that group and help out – many hands make light work! www.sern.org.nz
And many of you will know Daniel Cocker from his days at the Nursery – Daniel is championing the Southern NZ Dotterel in F&B’s “Bird of the Century” and you can vote for the Southland underdog the Tūturiwhatu Southern New Zealand dotterel at https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/ - see details here
Posted: 1 November 2023
Plants
Over the last month Nursery Volunteer Fridays have been busy, getting plants out of the Nursery for planting. The largest was the Bushy Point project where 1000 plants were loaded up on a Nursery Friday by volunteers and then planted by another hundred volunteers on Sunday 10 September – read all about it at https://www.otataralandcare.org.nz/news-events/
Other orders also went out so we are now filling the empty spaces with newly potted plants. Its also an exciting time for seedlings emerging in the trays and soon pricking out of seedlings will begin. If you want to join our thriving team of 10-20 volunteers on a Friday and learn about growing native plants, and much more come along from 9am to noon on a Friday morning.
ART!!
I am pleased to announce that Jo Ogier is coming down for another 2 day workshop – on the weekend of 14/15 October 23 – Workshop details here. It will be limited numbers and first come first served but please don’t pay until I have confirmed your place. We will also have a “reserves” list in case anyone pulls out. Please register your interest by emailing me at [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
Chris
Posted: 25 September 2023
Hope to see you all on our opening day. There will be lots to do!
During our closed period we have not been idle – apart from a holiday, we have been busy around the property – pruning apple trees, weeding and preparing veggie beds, watering cuttings. Brian and I have also been busy visiting properties and giving advice on restoration. At the Community Nursery we also hosted Jordan and SIT first year environmental students recently at the Nursery and Bushy Point. Also busy with planting days – Te Rere Penguin Reserve last weekend and Bushy Point coming up on Sunday 10 September where 1000 plants will be moving from the Nursery into the ground – no need to book just come along and help – details at https://www.otataralandcare.org.nz/
There is also a new display at the Community Gallery, Owaka Museum – “Humans in the Catlins – The Environmental Impact” – worth a look if youre in the Catlins from 2-29 September.
See you on Fridays 9am-noon
Nga mihi
Chris
Posted: 24 August 2023
Friday 7th July will be the last Nursery session before closing for winter.
The last month has been busy with seed cleaning and sowing and for the last couple of weeks propagating plants from cuttings. Also, various nursery fix-up jobs, weeding and building a bookcase for the Nature Centre. Brian and I have also taken the opportunity to visit lots of properties (of folks who come to the Nursery) in the last month to give advice on planting and restoration. It’s also been the start of plantings – like Barry Smiths 75th anniversary (no he’s not that old!) of the Southland Tramping Club with a planting at the Oreti Totara Dune Forest on 3rd dune, next is Te Rere Penguin Reserve planting on 19 August and then Bushy Point annual planting on Sunday 10 September. If you are interested in any of these planting events email Chris for more details.
This Friday (7 July) will be a chance to catch up before going into winter hibernation. Bring your best baking!!
We will aim to open again Friday 1 September 23
Chris
Posted: 5 July 2023
The Community Nursery will be open for volunteers each Friday morning until and including Friday 7 July 23. Sowing seeds and propagating plants from cuttings will be the main activities as well as cleaning up the Nursery for winter. On Friday 30 June there will be a Cuttings workshop for new and experienced people.
Chris
Posted: 13 June 2023
