Art Society Spring Exhibition the Perfect Canvas to Show and Tell
Article by Peter Gibbs. First published in The Press and Nelson Mail.
The Spring Exhibition is on now in The Suter Gallery. Photograph: Tom Brooker
Twice a year, Nelson artists get their best chance to show work in the Suter Gallery.
One of those opportunities is in the Nelson Suter Art Society’s Spring Exhibition, which is now showing in the McKee and Potton Galleries.
The guest artist in the exhibition is South African-born Dalene Meiring, whose studio is in Arrowtown, who is represented by several large works.
It’s more difficult for art society members, who have a few hoops to jump through before their work appears on the gallery walls.
First, there’s the process of applying for membership of the art society, with a certain standard to be attained. Having cleared this hurdle, artists are free to submit work for the annual spring and autumn exhibitions and for other shows throughout the year.
With so many members, not all are going to be successful in having their work seen. With space limitations, there was some fairly severe culling for this exhibition, which shows the work of 82 members.
Most artists take the selection process in their stride.
Photographer Kat Beyle is a new member of the society and this is her first spring exhibition.
“Rejection is part of the creative journey, and while it can be discouraging at times - especially since not many galleries focus on photography - I try to see it as motivation to keep growing. Every “no” has pushed me to explore new opportunities.”
Artists Mary-Jane Steffens, left, and Kat Beyle with their work in front of the paintings guest artist Darlene Meiring at the Nelson Suter Art Society Spring Exhibition at The Suter Art Gallery. Photograph: MARTIN DE RUYTER / NELSON MAIL
Pastel artist Mary-Jane Steffens has similar feelings. I asked her if she was angered by rejection.
“No, every judge is different, you could enter the same piece in another exhibition and be chosen. Also with over 20 years in the graphic and web design field, you learn to have really thick skin.”
The fact that these two work in such widely different fields is typical of the variety in art society exhibitions.
There are many painters working in oils, acrylics or water colour. There are photographers and others working in craft arts such as glass, ceramics, wood and even gourds.
Some exhibitors earn their entire income from art, but the two I spoke to are typical of art society members.
Born and educated in Chile, Beyle works as a commissioned photographer, taking headshots, creative portraits and branding images for business, artists, real estate and events.
“I’ve been a documentary photographer for 15 years and have evolved into more fine art photography in the last few years.
“Since getting my first camera I’ve never stopped. I’ve always been fascinated by aesthetics and creating beautiful atmospheres. When I exhibit I care about every detail, from the images to the presentation, because everything works together to send a strong message.
“What changes over time are my subjects and techniques. I love evolving, blending approaches and finding new ways to present my work creatively.”
Steffens has been a graphic designer for more than 20 years and is working hard towards becoming a full time artist.
“My aim is to create artwork that draws viewers in and rewards close observation. I also seek to gently challenge the way figure art is perceived.
“Often associated with shock or provocation, I aim to create a space where the viewer can connect with the human body in a more approachable, less confrontational way - allowing them to experience its beauty without barriers.”
As part of the push towards being a full time artist, Steffens works hard to have her work accepted in art exhibitions overseas, as well as in New Zealand, and she’s had considerable success.
“In September, my piece Dancer at Rest won the 2025 Pastel Society of Australia Art Awards Online, People category.
“In October, my piece Dancer on Stool II was selected into the 2025 International Association of Pastel Societies Juried Fall Webshow.”
Beyle follows a similar path, and has been selected as a solo exhibitor in Australlia’s leading photography festival, Head On. Her work will show at Neruda’s Brunswick in Melbourne for three weeks during November.
The Nelson Suter Art Society’s Spring Exhibition continues at the Suter until November 2.
Peter Gibbs has been a teacher, potter and journalist. Retired for more than 10 years, he’s resumed life as a potter and writes occasionally for the Nelson Mail.
