An exhibition of painting and decoupage by Helen and Rudy Wetzels is on at Auckland's Te Karanga Gallery from 23 May - 1 June 2007. Helen has become involved in art over the last four years. After working for 30 years in offices, Helen had to resign due to both physical and mental health reasons.

An exhibition of painting and decoupage by Helen and Rudy Wetzels is on at Auckland's Te Karanga Gallery from 23 May - 1 June 2007. Helen has become involved in art over the last four years. After working for 30 years in offices, Helen had to resign due to both physical and mental health reasons. It was only then that she became aware that art was to become her passion.

Discovering the joy that painting can bring and having been involved with such caring and loving people that have supported her in her journey, Helen would now like to share this with other people. "When you think that all is lost, there are people who care, and that all of us that have endured similar pain, can come through it by way of spirituality and creativity." She feels that she is now in the privileged position of being able to work at something she loves and cherishes.

Rudy has Bipolar Disorder and through this he has had lots of ups and downs during his life. He has tried to use this experience positively to better himself in every way possible. He has also found that using his creativity has helped him with his ongoing treatment and recovery. Rudy's art involves the art of decoupage, which is creating a three dimensional image from a two dimensional image. This involves cutting and layering stiff paper and then coating the image to give it a porcelain-like appearance. Finally this is inserted into a frame. It involves many hours of careful work but the final outcome is a stunning work of art.

What: Recent Works by Helen and Rudy Wetzels, hosted by Toi Ora Live Arts Trust

When: 23 May - 1 June 2007

Where: Te Karanga Gallery, 1st floor, 208 Karangahape Road, Newton, Auckland