It’s floral blooms that can usually be found on Melody Downie’s large (about 120cm x 90cm) canvases.  Melody uses acrylics on canvas and her work is mainly realism, which she says captures “true light and form”. While she now works full-time as an artist, a chunk of her working life was spent as a graphic designer – a discipline that assisted in producing quality, detailed pieces of art today.  There are some smaller pieces amongst her large canvases.

*Artist at Leonie & Brett Marsh Garden

Mary Hayward has gathered a cluster of artists in her studio over the years. Twelve years ago she established Group 55 to assist artists seeking more space to pursue their artistic ideas. Group 55 meets every Wednesday and the aim is to experiment and learn from the experience. While there have been a few changes over the years, some of the initial members remain. The group has featured at five BOP Garden & Art Festivals and has held exhibitions locally. 

*Artists at Legacy Woodhill

If Kevin McCardell’s creativity had to be summed up in less than 10 words the following would be a good start… “timber sculptures featuring an exceptional degree of realism”. Kevin’s sculptures are predominantly made from NZ Kauri and his work is held in private collections both here and overseas. He is self-taught with 25 years’ experience, working from his Cambridge Road, Tauranga gallery.

*Artist at Kevin McCardell Sculptor Gallery