Myrtle Chapel

Independent artist and researcher Alison Thomson (pictured above right, on the path to Myrtle Chapel, image by Peter Yaxley) came to Poatina to embark on a self-funded residency project that extended from July 2025 to March 2026. Alison has written about her residency below, one which encapsulates the unique value of Poatina as a destination for artists who are seeking to quietly focus on their practice and create work without diversion.

'Jamie Winship believes all creativity starts with a question. He argues that through contemplation, the right hemisphere of the brain is engaged to reveal and discover an answer. My installation project 'Myrtle Chapel' began with the following question: "What are the wisdom practices and spiritual disciplines of the Judeo-Christian tradition?" After asking this question, a lecture by a Jewish rabbi entitled "The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy" appeared in my Youtube feed. Inspired by this answer to my question, I applied to do an art residency in Poatina.

My art residency in Poatina was tailored to provide space and time for contemplation and art making. The residency was split into two sections: the first for two weeks in July and the second from October to March. During these periods, I worked from Poatina Glass Studio - Alethea Mountain Retreat Arts Centre. The arts centre is a cathedral like space containing a diverse range of smaller work spaces and equipment. It is set in the forest beneath Mount Blackwood, part of the Great Western Tiers Conservation Area. The beauty of the place and dynamic weather patterns colour every moment of life in both the studio and village.

During the residency, glass artist Keith Dougall taught me the basics of kiln formed glass and patiently guided me through increasingly complex techniques, including fused glass and the use of moulds. Over many months, I created a body of work which was then installed as part of the installation 'Myrtle Chapel'. The installation was set up for three days in the forest behind the Alethea Arts Centre, on the Sandstone View track. (Please see link to 'Myrtle Chapel' and Myrtle Chapel flyer attached at the end bottom of this page.) Myrtle Chapel forms part of a larger research project entitled “Divine Heart: Towards Wisdom through art practice.” As I near the end of my residency, I would like to thank Poatina Arts and the Poatina community for their kindness and support. I extend particular thanks to Keith and Anita Dougall for their artistic and spiritual leadership, Di Adams for her native orchid expertise, and Rose Hamilton and Merinda Young for their invaluable help with kilns and enamels. I encourage any creative person to apply for an arts residency in Poatina.'