A sculpture will be installed on the exterior of the Ashburton Society of Arts’ Short Street Studio next month as the society celebrates its 60th anniversary.
The 2m-high steel wall sculpture will be based on the society’s logo comprising a stylised paint brush and palette surrounded by a solid rectangle, with the word Art added along the top.
The society has been promoting and cultivating visual arts in Mid Canterbury since its inception in 1964.
In 1981 it officially opened the studio.
Installation of the sculpture will follow the exterior having recently been painted and new blinds in an interior gallery space.
New garden plantings were also be added outside.
Member Peter Hartley said the work would improve the studio, which provided a space for members and others to attend workshops, weekly classes, exhibitions and social gatherings.
‘‘Dedicated commitment from many people has helped make it a welcoming place,’’ Hartley said.
He said a grant of $15,000 from the Lion Foundation had helped towards the cost of the painting of the building and installation of the blinds.
Meanwhile, the society will host its 60th annual exhibition at the Ashburton Art Gallery in July.
Entries for the exhibition open May 3.
