Proceeds from sale of Seroja-inspired artwork to support running of new Northampton art hub

A group of Mid West creatives are auctioning an art installation inspired by the cyclone Seroja rebuild to help fundraise for Northampton’s new artistic hub.

The former Masonic Hall is being transformed into a studio and exhibition space, dubbed the Hampton Gallery.

Local group Northampton Creative Obsessions Incorporated is overseeing the refurbishment, which will need funding.

To support the works the group has opted to auction its multi-medium piece Aftermath, which 10 artists created in the months after cyclone Seroja.

Local creative Helen Reynolds said the group initially created the piece for the International Indian Ocean Craft Triennial, which encouraged artists to explore the theme of shelter in their pieces.

“Because of cyclone Seroja, a lot of shelters in Northampton were completely demolished. We combined elements that were part of that thought, like using some old French doors that were destroyed in the cyclone,” she said.

“We also wanted to explore the idea that men build shelters, but women come in and turn them into a home.”

Ms Reynolds said the cyclone had taken a toll on the mental health of the community and locals found working on the artwork therapeutic.

“It is good therapy because we came together to work on it every week, and sitting around hand stitching and talking is such good therapy for women,” she said.

Ms Reynolds said the group is now hoping to sell the piece, with proceeds going into the running of the new art hub.

Anyone interested in buying or exhibiting the piece is asked to get in contact with NCOI.