A well established group for artists within tHE community.
An artist group in whanganui, new zealand
all are welcome
Join us on Thursdays at 243 Wicksteed Street
Come and paint with other River City Artists in one of the best facilities in town.
Learners, novices, hobbyists or professionals – All are welcome.
Membership – $30 per year.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us
About River City Artists
River City Artists is a non-affiliated group of artists who meet each Thursday to paint, enjoy each other’s company and learn from each other.
The group was started in 2016 by Val Donkervoort and now has over 20 like-minded members. As well as painting on a Thursday, we organise two or three workshops during the year, working on different styles and media. We also have some social outings –such as a restaurant meal or a trip to Palmerston North to visit art supply shops.
The aim of the group is for artists to have a space where they can work on a regular basis in a relaxed environment with other like-minded people. We have people at all levels in the group from beginners to very experienced. Everyone is welcome to come along and be part of the group.
Dennis Clark is our Patron. Dennis is a local professional artist who, along with his artist son, Nolan, runs on-line art classes. The link to their websites are: Paint Basket Art Classes and Online painting and drawing classes & lessons — Online Art Lessons. Dennis has been painting since he was 11 years old. He has been a registered art teacher since 1987 and he became a full-time professional artist when he retired from engineering in 1994. We got to know Dennis not long after the group started when we were looking for judges for a competition. Dennis and Nolan judged the competition and then gave everyone comments on what they liked about the entries. Dennis took an interest in the group and donated a large number of books for our library and we were delighted that this lovely man agreed to become our patron.
What some of our members say
Coming up
Keep up to date with upcoming events.
2027 Calendar
The 2026 Calendar featuring artworks from members of our group was such a success we are creating another one for 2027.
We will be making selections for the calendar on Thursday 6th August. Bring along a couple of pieces of your work for the committee to choose from. This year we will be printing the calendar orientated in the portrait style.
Next Bi-Monthly Challenge – Due 27 August 2026
Our next bi-monthly challenge is ‘Autumn’. Use any medium you like and any interpretation you like.
Group Art Exercise – – Thursday 2 July 2026
Our group exercise this month was to create an artwork based on a photo of a chair in monochrome – inspiration images below. Use any medium you like and any interpretation you like.
recent happenings
Art Exhibition – Yellow House Cafe 2026 – May/June 2026
Once again River City Artists held a very successful exhibition at the Yellow House Cafe. Ten artists submitted their artwork for the exhibition.
Bi-Monthly Group Challenge – Thursday 25 June 2026
Our challenge this month was to create an artwork featuring Fog.
As usual we got a wide variety of artworks and different styles. It is always fun to guess which artwork was done by which member! Mostly we get it right, but sometimes someone will have done something completely different to their normal style.
Our challenges are a fun way to stretch ourselves and try something different.
Photos of some of the art are below. Click on the photo to enlarge it.
Drawing and Watercolour Workshop with Sue Cooke – Tuesday 23 June 2026
Sue ran a workshop in her Jacaranda Studio Hall in Aramoho.
Students started with the basics of drawing then applying watercolour washes.
Photos of some of the art are below. Click on the photo to enlarge it.
Cat Painting Workshop with Sue Cleeve – Thursday 18 June 2026
Sue ran her workshop showing how to paint with acrylics. Showing how to paint animal fur.
Photos of some of the art are below. Click on the photo to enlarge it.
Artist of the month
Michelle Harris
MEMBER OF RIVER CITY ARTISTS
Michelle has been dabbling in art for about ten years and by following other artists on line she has picked up tips and gained confidence in her own art.
She first started working with oil pastels, mostly by doing easy nude sketches but has is now working mostly with acrylics. When she first started she didn’t have an understanding of how to get the most out of acrylics but since joining River City Artists, she has learned a lot and grown in her artwork through watching other artists and getting their help.
Michelle enjoys experimenting with acrylics and, as she gains confidence she hopes to expand into other media as well. The inspiration for her paintings usually comes straight from her own mind and heart but she does sometimes copy the works of other artists and finds she learns from doing this.
“Creating a painting is a magic feeling,” says Michelle and she loves being part of the River City Artists group because there is magic all around.
Click on the images below to expand them and see the whole picture.
Drawing and Watercolour Workshop with Sue Cooke – Tuesday 23 June 2026
Sue ran a workshop in her Jacaranda Studio Hall in Aramoho.
Students started with the basics of drawing then applying watercolour washes.
Photos of some of the art are below. Click on the photo to enlarge it.
Get in Touch
Please feel free to fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible!