Natinati Wāhi Pokapū

Arts, Music & Nature Centre - Toi, Puoro me Taiao Pokapū    

Christchurch & Canterbury -  Ōtautahi me Waitaha

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The 10  Annual West Melton Art Event

Life on the Canterbury Plains

Celebrating 150 Years to West Melton

Austin Merlyn,

Hansby Michael,

Manning Chris,

McAra Don,

Orinko Svetlana,

Porter  Janie,

Provis Nathanael,

Sharp Gordon

A respectable crowd of about 150 people attended the celebrations of the 10th Annual West Melton Art Exhibition marking the 150 of West Melton Anniversary at The Nut Point Centre on Saturday

the 15th of February.

A delightful sunny afternoon made it an even more enjoyable event.

The Art Exhibition theme of the Canterbury Plains, brought together Canterbury artists: Austin Merlyn, Hansby Michael, Manning Chris, McAra Don, Orinko Svetlana, Porter Janie, Provis Nathanael   and Sharp Gordon.

Their works depicted the essence of the area, from its remarkable wild scenery to its rural farming landscapes, as well as scenes of its “New” Comers” settling in the area 150 years ago.

People listened with much interest  to stories about the history of West Melton told by our very own local descendants of the very early settlers in the region.  

The historical journey was kick started by Mr Colin Watson whose family has lived in the area for many generations.

This was followed by Margaret Copland’s remarkable theatrical story telling. Through her wonderful acting Margaret brought  to life the tales of  early settler Sarah Stokes and her remarkable journey from England to New Zealand settling on the Canterbury Plains.

People also enjoyed  the wonderful music played by a string duo Oleg Kotorovych and Iryna Ionenko.

Photos  by Sarah Miles