Art group signs off

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 685, 6 May 1997, Page 5

Art group signs off

The decision to close down the Waimarino Arts & Crafts Society was not taken lightly, says their president. Retiring president of the Waimarino Arts and Craft Society, Anne Gardner, explained that the lack of new members available to take on the duties of the committee has led to its closure. At the final meeting held at the club rooms on 22 April, Mrs Gardner congratulated the society for filling the need for a place where people could meet and learn arts and crafts skills within the district, for the last 30 years. She acknowledged the personal commitment and contributions made by Dod Fetzer, the remaining foundation member of the society, and the support of Hazel Wallace, the treasurer, who efficiently maintained the financial records of the society. The minutes of the first annual

meeting in 1969 were read and a variety of catalogues of the first art exhibitions were tabled. Members were interested to see the names from many of the families in the district who were strong Supporters in the past and to read of the various classes provided, which even included bread making. It was decided that all equipment would be returned to the donors where known, a quantity of clay donated to David Squires for his art students, and that the remaining funds of the society be distributed between the Main Trunk Rail Ohakune for the use of their faci lities, and the Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade. Documents of the society will be placed in the care of the Waimarino Museum at Raetihi. The exhibition boards are to be donated to the Ohakune Art Awards Committee.