Art centre stalwart’s work displayed 

Linda Bannister with some of the paintings she has on display at the library. 

Linda Bannister is the next Rosebank Art Centre artist displaying her work at the Te Awamutu Library’s current series of art exhibitions.

She is displaying and selling 21 of her works at the library until May 31.  They are a combination of acrylics or oils on canvas, representing sweeping landscapes and a selection of buildings.  All, she says, represent her love of colour and some her addiction to painting seascapes.

She has recently taken her love of art one step further, by starting lessons in clay sculpture.

Linda is an acknowledged linchpin in helping bring the Rosebank Art Centre back to life. A drop in membership put the group into recess about six years ago, but through an active programme aimed at fostering local art— encouraged by the Rosebank Art Centre Charitable Trust — there are now some 35 members who meet regularly at the centre in Churchill St.

As one of the convenors and the publicity person for the centre, Linda is often seen at the administrative end of the operation.  She has exhibited her works before at several of the exhibitions held by members, but this is her first at the recently established rolling exhibitions being held collaboratively with the library.

Linda Bannister with some of the paintings she has on display at the library. 

Linda has been painting in earnest for around eight years.  “I always had an interest, and did some night school lessons in my 40s, but it was only after my husband retired and we started a B&B that I decided to go back to it.”

She did a few lessons with well-known Cambridge-based artist Wayne Sinclair and things took off from there.  “I find painting to be the most relaxing thing … it was great during the lockdowns.  I get totally absorbed in it and am quite a quick painter, but I do find that a few hours painting can actually be quite tiring.”

The exhibition is the fourth involving Rosebank Art Centre members.  The others were Charles Stewart, Margaret Dixon and Peter Korkie.

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