A trio of artists who call Palmerston home have brought together an exhibition of postcard art.

Zenobia Southcombe, Leanne Breet and Alicia Hall are running No Place Like Home throughout April at the Community Art Hub, which Alicia opened in November last year.

There have been more than 150 entries from as far as away Auckland and Christchurch, although most are local, Zenobia says. 

“I am delighted with the number of entries, and how creative all the artworks are. We've had painting, photography, clay, collage, printmaking, wool felting, patchwork, paper quilling, and various other combinations and techniques. 

“I love seeing all the different ways people have interpreted the theme. That's what I love most about visiting exhibitions - seeing different perspectives, and getting inspiration for my own work.”

The idea for postcards came from an artist friend who had seen it work well in a small town in Australia, she says.

“I thought it was a great idea because it's so accessible. Even people who don't consider themselves an ‘artist’ can apply their creative skills and talents to a 10x15cm work.” 

It also means more works can fit in a small space, which allows for up to four entries per person.

The theme No Place Like Home can be widely interpreted and is relatable, Zenobia says.

Taking part in the Waitaki District Council’s Revitalise Our Places Ōamaru programme last year with a pop-up exhibition inspired the artists to recreate the concept in Palmerston.

Some of the artworks in the No Place Like Home exhibition. Photo: Supplied

“I collaborated with local business and fellow artists to create our own - the first was at Waihemo Museum/Puketapu Radio (https://www.dwindleriver.com/news/radio-pop-up) last December.”

Because the Community Art Hub has recently been built, the postcard show is a great way to share it with locals and visitors, Zenobia says.

In the lead-up to this exhibition, Alicia and Leanne ran two community workshops at the hub. They taught people how to create a small felted landscape using wet wool felting, or how to create a mixed media postcard.

Zenobia worked with East Otago High School artist and teacher Rachel Foster running a drawing workshop with her Year 9 and 10 art class. 

“They started with drawing but many of them used paint, markers and other media to build on their original piece.”

The exhibition opening is this Saturday (5 April) from 12pm to 1pm. The show is open Thursdays to Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (except public holidays) during April.

Another well-known artist Nic Dempster will be judging the art and awarding prizes on Saturday.

About the artists

Zenobia was born in India, and is also a writer. She is focussing on drawing and photography currently.

She grew up in Auckland and moved down south in 2018, eventually settling in Palmerston. 

“My work is inspired by te taiao, the natural world. I love how landscapes I see every day can look so different as the light and weather change, and I'm fascinated by our native wildlife - especially creatures like hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) and kekeno (NZ fur seals) that I didn't get to see in the North Island.”

Leanne Breet is a photographer who loves taking portraits, landscapes and macros, and also enjoys painting, drawing, felting and mixed media. 

Leanne and Zenobia have an upcoming exhibition with Leanne’s daughter Kristen at the Dunedin Botanic Gardens.

Alicia Hall is a Palmerston-based artist and a community arts facilitator. She is passionate about the healing and empowering aspects of art. Her own practice consists of fibre installations with the focus on process.

Zenobia is also exhibiting solo as the Artist in the Terminal at Dunedin Airport.

'Puketapu Sunset' by Zenobia Southcombe.