For over a decade, Australian-born David Ryan has shared his vision to help Nelson and Tasman artists realise their potential through a highly successful program of weekly art classes.

2023 was the last year David offered regular weekly painting classes and the students felt an exhibition of their work would be an opportunity to publicly show their achievements and advancement.

The exhibition 'Transition' features the art works of current students of the David Ryan Studio classes. Most of the students have been attending David’s weekly art classes over a period of years, including some who started in 2012, the year he started offering art classes.

One of the aims of the exhibition is to show what can be achieved by attending classes over a sustained period, especially for people without prior formal art training.

The exhibition is also seen by the students as a way of celebrating and acknowledging their time spent studying with David.

“For all of us, Transition reflects change and a personal journey which we are proud to share.”