A Festival of Dibble

Palmerston North is celebrating the ‘Festival of Dibble’, albeit unofficially, marking the arrival of Paul Dibble to teach at what was then the College of Education (Teacher’s College) now a part of Massey University and the establishment of the Dibble Foundry in the city over twenty years ago. On show at Te Manawa, the Museum of Art, History and Science is a major retrospect entitled Sources: Paul & Fran Dibble [until 31 July 2011]; Zimmerman Contemporary Gallery is featuring painter Fran Dibble as the ‘Artist of the Month for June’ and showing 5 sculptures as well by Paul Dibble and here at Taylor-Jensen Fine Arts we are exhibiting 15 works by Paul and ten paintings by wife Fran Dibble. You might imagine a banner stretching over Broadway or at the top of Rangitikei Street proclaiming the ‘Festival of Dibble’ as we unwrap Who’s Afraid on Sunday 3 July (see previous blog) and celebrate this new addition to public art in Palmerston North. Perhaps a banner should have been organised by the City or Destination Manawatu or the Arts Council but for now you must use your imagination. The sheer number of Dibble’s on display in the city by both husband and wife certainly merits celebration and public notification.