Ocean art on show

Since 2004, The Art Studio in Arorangi has been paying tribute to Vaka Eiva with stunning displays of painted paddles. This year, the gallery will again showcase paddles, but has opened its exhibit to include paintings and other works of art.

“Normally it’s just the paddles – we’ve done that very successfully since the beginning (of Vaka Eiva) but this year we’re opening it up,” owner Kay George said.

The Art Studio will be displaying eight painted paddles, including one designed by Marie Melvin’s grandson Nathan, which was recently shipped over from New Zealand. Though the theme is this year inclusive of all forms of art – provided they pay tribute to the ocean – some artists still wanted to paint paddles.

The decorated paddles have become a Vaka Eiva highlight and in past years have sold for $500 each.

Local artist Judith Kunzle has submitted a painting for this year’s Oe Vaka Exhibition, as has local artist Loretta Reynolds, whose large acrylic on canvas features images of Tangaroa, a paddle and a breaking wave.

“When Kay said it’s for Vaka Eiva, I thought, what goes with Vaka Eiva but the sea and a paddle?” Reynolds said.

George is still waiting on other local artists to hand over their work.

“Like all artists they won’t show up until the day of the show,” she joked.

Cook Islands Tourism chief executive Carmel Beattie will open the exhibit on Monday night, and all paddlers and supporters are welcome to browse. It will last right through to December 8.