Gisborne is mourning the loss of much loved and respected arts community figure and teacher Norman Maclean.

He died on Friday night.

Maclean was known for his work as an artist, theatre director and as a secondary school teacher.

A timely art exhibition called Emptying Out the Studio, at Lysnar House two weeks ago, showed a large body of work done over the artist’s life.

Maclean taught secondary school students in Gisborne for 50 years, retiring in 2015.

He joined the Gisborne Artists Society in 1968 as a student artist and went on to hold a range of administrative committee positions including that of chairperson.

He was president of Unity Theatre for many years; directed over 20 productions for that company, plus three for Musical Theatre Gisborne, and also high school shows over many years.

He loved to travel and spent long periods of time in Britain and Greece.

He returned to Europe earlier this year to say farewell to his many friends there, knowing he would not return.

Maclean was a contributor to and supporter of The Gisborne Herald over many years, often in his advocacy of the visual arts, theatre and education.

He had a long-term involvement with Tairāwhiti Museum.

He was also a popular marriage celebrant.

His funeral is to be held at Gisborne Boys’ High School on Monday, December 11,  from 10am.

A full obituary will follow in The Gisborne Herald at a later date.