New gallery in Greytown
Walking into the light and airy space, it is hard to remember the building has ever been anything other than a gallery. The high ceiling, natural light, white walls and wooden floor are a perfect showcase for local artists to display their work. It is inviting with plenty of space to wander and take in the diverse range of art.
By Katherine Robinson. Photo of Rebecca Kempton, Esther Bunning and Linda Kirkland by Terry Wreford Hann.
Originally built as a Masonic Lodge in West Street around 1891, the building moved to the current site in 1979, to house the Greytown library from 1980 – 2007, and until last year a designer furniture store. When it closed, it left the South Wairarapa District Council-owned building empty during the Greytown Festival of Christmas.
Enter Greytown Artisans, a group of local artists including artists/photographers Rebecca Kempton and Esther Bunning, and painter Linda Kirkland. They seized the chance to exhibit artworks by local artists in a pop-up exhibition. It was a huge hit, prompting a re-run in November. This time the group applied to Council to exhibit longer, eventually leasing the building until early June 2024. The gallery is run by a collective of 20 artists who each sign up for a three-month exhibition period, sharing the cost of the lease. Unlike a commercial gallery, no commission is charged for artworks sold by the artists. However – rather brilliantly – everyone in the collective must give a day of their time to staff the gallery once a month from 10am to 4.00pm.
According to Infometrics data, as a region South Wairarapa has the fourth highest percentage of workers in creative industries in the country. “But apart from Aratoi (very supportive of the new venture) there is not enough opportunity to exhibit. For many exhibitors, art is our job. You can exhibit online but the ideal is to exhibit in a gallery,” says Linda.
High sales figures bear her out; over summer almost all exhibitors sold artworks – many making multiple sales. Buyers were a mix of locals and visitors– including overseas buyers –happy to take even large framed pieces across the world. “If you make a connection with a piece of art, it is a memory of a place,” says Rebecca.
The majority of artists are from Greytown, with a few from Masterton and the greater Wairarapa. There is also room for at least two visiting artists.
“We learn from each other and we help each other –the gallery has become a hub for the artistic community. We want each other to do well,” says Rebecca.
Linda recalls chatting with a young woman customer who was admiring a ring. “When she wanted to know more, I could ring the jeweller so she could talk to him direct. They had a long chat and he told her why he had chosen that particular gem. He had had it for 35 years –it absolutely blew the young woman away, and she didn’t hesitate to buy it. Those kind of things don’t usually happen in a commercial gallery.”
Local support for the gallery is very strong, and the group have applied to Council for the space to be a permanent gallery. If they do secure it long-term, they are keen to widen its use to include a community art space, running workshops, night classes and other community events.
EXHIBITIONS
The Poppy Walk Project
At the beginning of April, each child at Greytown School will be given a wooden poppy to paint. The plywood poppies have been prepared by the Te Hupenui/Greytown Artists Society. The plywood was generously donated by 'The Ply Guy', in Carterton. Once the poppies have been painted they will be arranged by class to form a memorial poppy walk in Stella Bull Park, to honour and commemorate Anzac Day. The installation of the poppies will take place on Sunday 21 April by the society artists. Project coordinator is Linda Kirkland.
Turangawaewae: A Place to Stand, A Place to Belong
Turangawaewae encapsulates the profound concept of finding one’s place – a deeply rooted sense of identity and connection. The theme weaves together a rich tapestry of possibilities, inviting artists to delve into their narratives, cultural heritage, and the landscapes that shape their existence. Through varied three and two-dimensional works diverse perspectives and powerful narratives will emerge as the artists share their stories, evoke emotions, and celebrate the essence of belonging. Opening: 26 April 2024 at 5.30pm until 6 June 2024
Te Hupenui/Greytown Gallery of Contemporary & Fine Art, 115 Main Street, Greytown.
