Aratoi celebrates the art and life of Wairarapa artist Jan Eagle (1936-2018), with an exhibition featuring over 60 of her bright, quirky and iconic paintings, a display of her beloved vehicle ‘Edna May’ in the museum courtyard, a newly released children’s book ‘the Story of Edna May’, and a tribute book for visitors that will be gifted to the family.
The exhibition opens on Friday, 26 July, 5.30pm, and the Eagle family will be present.
The exhibition curators Gwenda Saunders and Marg Robinson, long-time friends of the artist, will deliver a floor talk on Saturday, 27th July, 12 noon.
A prominent artist in our region over several decades, Jan Eagle dedicated her life to the arts and to supporting other artists.
“Jan Eagle was passionate about the Wairarapa and its people,” says Gwenda Saunders, “a true daughter of this fabulous region we live in. A much respected and talented artist with tremendous mana, she worked hard and determinedly.
“Jan loved vibrant colour and form and was a keen observer. She noted the realities of everyday life and was an avid people-watcher. Her subject matter was varied which makes this exhibition both interesting and appealing.”
Gwenda Saunders and Marg Robinson like to repeat one of Jan’s favourite quotes: “Art is my breath.”
Jan Eagle had a long affiliation with Aratoi and the former Wairarapa Arts Centre. She held solo exhibitions at the museum titled The Urban Provider (2007), Space to Space (2009) and Heavenly Communications (2014), regularly contributed to the Wairarapa Art Review and Little Jewels, and also exhibited with the Main Artery group. In 2018, Jan sold a work in the Aratoi Artists Auction, which appropriately went to a Greytown home.
THIS IS ME – JAN EAGLE RETROSPECTIVELY
Exhibition Opening: Friday 26th July, 5.30pm.
Public Talk: Saturday 27 July, 12 Noon
All welcome.