An Exhibition, and a Remembrance

I have mixed feelings as I prepare for the next art exhibition,

Colourfest, 8th-20th September 2026 at Hutt Art.

I feel sadness over missing my dear friend Christina Chappel, happiness that her artwork will still be proudly displayed one last time with our painting group, and gratitude for her kindness and encouragement, which have personally helped me reach where I am today.

With a heavy heart, I attended Christina's funeral yesterday, but it was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate her life—a life well-lived, full of fun, family, and friends (many, many friends!) In true Christina fashion, her remembrance was sprinkled with love and positivity; heartwarming photos lifted the mood, especially when 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' was played - she would've loved that!

Christina - always eager to help.

Christina working on the Christmas Tree project at Hutt Art (2021).

Me with the finished Xmas Tree that was displayed on High Street, Lower Hutt.

I'm proud to have called Christina my friend. She took me under her wing when I first joined Hutt Art many years ago and encouraged me in countless ways—to showcase my work publicly, to be content with my painting, and to have the courage to teach my first workshop. She taught me how to prepare my paintings for the gallery and showed me the ropes for hanging the paintings. On top of all that, she was just so fun, an absolute breath of fresh air.

Dear Christina,

I will miss celebrating both our birthdays at the end-of-year Christmas lunch,

talking about flowers, cats and gardening,

and your wickedly cheeky sense of humour.

Your life has touched mine, and you will not be forgotten.

Aroha nui,

Jo xx