Start Date
11 March -  
End Date
17 March 2024
Artist
Rainbow and takatāpui artists from around Aotearoa
Main Image
Broccoli X Queer Joy poster. Simplified broccoli on a dreamy lilac and pastel rainbow background.
Opening
Opening Hours
Tuesday - Friday: 11am - 6:30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Description

The uniting visual theme of this art exhibition is the broccoli, which our team has embraced as a symbol of queer joy and frivolity during this difficult time for our rainbow communities. With transphobia and online hate speech continuing to rise, we wanted to create a space of joy and silliness that gave a platform to rainbow artists of all generations and backgrounds.

The broccoli emblem alludes to a common story that suggests Sappho, a Greek poet famous for her love poems to women, wrote about gifting broccoli to women she was attracted to. Whilst there is no definitive proof of broccoli being used in this way, the story highlights the ambiguity and erasure of queer histories. Our exhibition is designed to encourage rainbow communities to look into the past and connect with our queer ancestors.

 

FACEBOOK EVENT

Instagram: @insideoutkoaro
Facebook: InsideOUT
Email: tabby@insideout.org.nz

 

Start Date
4 March -  
End Date
10 March 2024
Artist
Melanie Fleet
Main Image
Colour drenched image of grenade and stencilled text for Explosive Empathy exhibtion by Melanie Fleet.
Opening Hours
Monday: 12pm - 5pm
Tuesday, Wednesday: 10am - 6pm
Thursday: 10am-7pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am-6pm
Sunday: 10am-2pm
Description

Art exhibition by Whanganui Artist; Melanie Fleet.

As part of the LGBTQI+ community I see the impact of bigotry and phobias every day. The choice of grenades highlights the explosive nature of LGBTQI+ issues.

Using materials that are colourful, sparkly, quirky and playful, conveys a sense of resilience and strength within the LGBTQI+ community, showing that despite facing hate and discrimination from others we continue to shine brightly and stand together with pride.

The pieces exhibited are 3D mixed media sculptures and photographic prints of the sculptures.

 

Instgram: @fleeting.fancynz

Facebook: fleetingfancy

Website: fleetingfancy.co.nz

Start Date
26 February -  
End Date
3 March 2024
Artist
Jake & Anita
Main Image
Jake & Anita. Faded and blurred slide image of a beach. Multiple transparent figures in motion.
Opening Hours
Open Daily
Description

NZ FRINGE 2024


The skills of guitar-dance duo Jake & Anita collide to create this 'doing wor(l)d': words create worlds, and a world is inside a word.

VERBS is a “found art” installation about digging deeper, explored through fleeting scenes of music, dance, poetry, and light. It is designed to be stumbled upon by the passing public - hence “found art”. Jake & Anita will be resident at the Thistle Hall Gallery, visible at street level, from the 25 February - 3 March as they install, rehearse, and perform their show.

The process of making the show has also been “found art”. Much of its content has been inspired by photographs taken during their adventures around the streets and coasts of Wellington, and from Anita’s great uncle’s slide collection.

Philosophically the show focuses on the intangible nature of knowing. Nobody truly knows how someone else sees – we all perceive and interpret reality differently. In VERBS Jake & Anita work to create a shared world

Artist Adorna joins them to bring their imagination to life and welcome you into their artistic world where time stands still.

 

PERFORMANCES

Friday 01 March: 7pm

Saturday 02 March: 5pm
Saturday 02 March: 8pm


Sunday 03 March: 5pm
Sunday 03 March 8pm

Duration 60 minutes. Entry free.

 

www.jakeandanita.co.nz

Start Date
19 February -  
End Date
25 February 2024
Artist
Liz Walters
Main Image
Liz Walters, painting of a wooden chair with evocative text and architectural plans layered subtely behind.
Opening
Opening Hours
Tuesday-Sunday: 11am - 6pm
Description

Many hours are spent working up layers in the background, using mixed media, of oil, acrylic, old papers
and architectural plans. Then scraping, peeling back and adding before the desired patina is achieved.
The layers in the background often reflect the items painted on top, worn and chipped by time and use.


The inspiration comes from observations and childhood experiences. Watching people connect.


One chair placed outside becomes an opportunity for others to join in.

 

Instagram: @lizwalters_artandmaking

 

Start Date
12 February -  
End Date
18 February 2024
Artist
Hamish McIlraith, Weston Symes, Apex The Artist, Johnny Kosta
Main Image
Round swirling painting by Apex The Artist
Opening Hours
Tuesday - Thursday: 9am - 6.30pm
Friday - Sunday 9am - 8pm
Description

Rabid Ink is a collection of 4 young local artists showcasing their collections of work with a goal of decluttering their personal collections and workshops.

We have art we need to sell!

 

CONTACT


Instagram: @rabidfoam @apextheartist @iyf_woodworks

Start Date
5 February -  
End Date
11 February 2024
Artist
Stuart Gray
Main Image
Friendly robot lamp - cheese grater body with metal pipe and window latch limbs. Artist Stuart Gray.
Opening Hours
Monday - Sunday: 9.30am to 5pm
Description

I like to use materials which are sourced from recycling centres, op-shops and peoples throw away items. With the vision of less entering landfills I repurpose items which may end up as trash.

I turn what is generally not used anymore or out of fashion into art, generally robot type characters, vehicles, animals and sometimes lamps. I like people to look at an object and think, "What was that used for?" or "What could that have been?", especially with old vintage unusable items. I like the interest, amusement and amazement the public express when viewing works.
 

Instagram: @willhelm1905

Start Date
29 January -  
End Date
4 February 2024
Artist
Community of Practise Collective
Main Image
Exhibition poster for Community of Practise. Buttery yellow with square text.
Opening
Opening Hours
Tuesday - Saturday: 11am - 6pm
Description

Community of Practice is a collective exhibition highlighting creative practice outside the constraints of a standard working day of 9-5. The exhibition is a celebration of Whanganui-a-Tara based artists who are working in range of mediums from furniture, drawing, sculpture and painting. This community is most interested in establishing meaningful relationships between those interested in creative practise.

 

CONTACT

FACEBOOK EVENT

Instagram: @_communityofpractise

Start Date
22 January -  
End Date
28 January 2024
Artist
Atti’ Pōneke
Main Image
Jogak Whakatōpū, by Atti' Poneke,  Geometric jewel toned patchwork
Opening
Opening Hours
Tuesday-Sunday: 11am - 6pm
Description

Moonhee Han, Sun Min Kim, Eun Jung Jan, Joy Moon, Jung Min Shin, Olivia Wang, Hyun Kyoung Koo, Yeon Heoung Park

Jogakbo, a traditional Korean wrapping cloth, is crafted from scraps of fabric left over from making the Hanbok, Korea’s national costume. Jogak Whakatōpū showcases Jogakbo finely crafted with hands using natural fabrics from Korea by Atti’ Pōneke group. Atti’ means friends in Korean, and we all share a passion for Jogakbo. We gather twice a month to share ideas and encourage each other while making our pieces.

We now call Aotearoa our home, but it is crucial to know our roots and be proud of who we are.These Jogakbo pieces feature geometric patterns created with fine hand-sewing, representing our identity and embodying a wonderful harmony and balance, much like multicultural Aotearoa. As part of the exhibition, we'll ; host a workshop on making Jumeoni, a traditional Korean pouch, to celebrate the Lunar New Year and wish for good luck in the coming year.

 

WORKSHOP

Saturday 27 January, 2pm-3pm
Jumeoni/ traditional pouch making workshop
$25 class fee

 

CONTACT

Facebook: Moonhee HAN Bojagi
Instagram: @moonheehan_bojagi

Start Date
15 January -  
End Date
21 January 2024
Artist
Beata Guilleminot
Main Image
Sustainable handmade fashion from By-Bea. White linen maxi-dress
Opening
Opening Hours
Monday: 12pm - 6pm
Tuesday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Sunday: 11am - 4pm
Description

By-Bea is a Wellington-based fashion label that creates timeless and unique pieces that reflect the designer’s years of travel and exploration. It has been founded by Beata, a French-trained fashion designer.

Beata adopts various techniques and requirements of art by implementing a mixture of imagination, architecture and sculpture into her designs. 

The materials of her choice are usually silk, linen and cotton veil. All the pieces of fabric are treated beforehand and pre- washed so that the model has a perfect and durable fit.  By-Bea’s capsule collections are always limited editions, so you can be sure that you are wearing something exclusive and original. Her designs are ideal to complement and enhance any wardrobe, adding a touch of elegance, sophistication, and personality.

“By-Bea’s workmanship is amazing, truly artistic pieces!”, Rachel.

“By-Bea’s designs are stunning, creative and flattering. I love her attention to detail and her commitment to sustainability.”, Marta

 

CONTACT


Website: https://www.by-bea.com
Instagram: @bybea_creation

.

Start Date
18 December -  
End Date
24 December 2023
Artist
Beata Kozlowska
Main Image
Invitation to Beata Kozlowska's solo exhibition. Features Truly You, an abstract geometric painting in fresh colours.
Opening
Opening Hours
Monday: 3 - 6pm
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 3pm
Description

You are warmly invited to Poetics of Geometry, a solo exhibition featuring new abstract paintings by Beata Kozlowska. From the last several years of Wellington-based artistic journey, Kozlowska delves into the painterly medium, focusing on the language of abstraction. Poetics of Geometry explores unique visual associations from geometric shapes, analogous to the play of language in poetics. Kozlowska employs elements like colour, shape, texture, form and structure to manifest in varying scales and frequencies, mirroring nature.


The term "Geometry" originates from the Greek words 'geo' (earth) and 'metrein' (to measure). Kozlowska's work explores the interplay between
poetics and geometry, employing geometric shapes, lines, haphazard semi-grids, and multiple layering techniques. Embracing negative space and concealing specific areas in her compositions, she engages in an unpredictable and playful process that challenges traditional geometric
laws. This emphasis on the freedom of abstraction, rooted in the tradition of Modernism, invites viewers to explore multiple interpretations.

 

WORKSHOPS

 

Wednesday, 10am - 12pm
FREE Kids Art Workshop

 

CONTACT


www.beatakozlowska.com
Facebook: Beata Kozlowska - Visual Artist
Instagram: @beatakozlowskaart

 

Start Date
11 December -  
End Date
17 December 2023
Artist
Good stuff made by good people
Main Image
JUST GOOD STUFF Poster.
Opening
Opening Hours
Tuesday - Sunday: 11am - 7pm
Description

6 days of local creative goodness for all your Christmas needs and more… 

Opening 6:00pm Monday 11 December - join us for a glass of Christmas cheer and first dibs! 


FEATURING GOOD STUFF BY: 
melissa boardman . baron hasselhoff’s chocolates . forest drawn . moonrise yarn co . hmxhm . keer ironworks . julie & jack . gael cherian . snaxpax . jackelope treasures . nana glamour . anna venture . indi & wild . harriet bright pottery . 2 minute needles . oh goodness . ngaere mackinnon . simply kawakawa . pepper raccoon . gridley by victoria . nisa clothing . galit maxwell pottery . lilla bean . carofeno craft . genevieve packer .  


Check us out on Facebook and Instagram - new images of goodies available added daily… 

Facebook: JUST GOOD STUFF
Instagram: @justgoodstuffnz

Start Date
4 December -  
End Date
10 December 2023
Artist
Nick Marshall, Purist Surfboards
Main Image
Surfboard fin by Nick Marshall. Inlaid/ painted with map of Wellington Harbour's eastern shore.
Opening Hours
Monday - Sunday: 9.30am - 5pm
Description

My works are a series of traditional and modern wooden and pounamu sculptured ocean craft. Each work is inspired by the origin and artworks of surfboard making pre 19th century in Polynesia. Surfboard making and artistic designs were once a central part of society. My works
explore the ties the Pacific Ocean "The Great Connector" has with our people and coastlines.

CONTACT
Instagram: @purist_surfboards

Start Date
27 November -  
End Date
3 December 2023
Artist
Kate MacDonald
Main Image
Daily Fibre exhibition poster
Opening Hours
Wednesday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Description

Daily Fibre is a presentation of stitch and ceramic works, created through a time of loss and grief. It speaks to the importance of a daily creative practice, which enabled the maker to connect with culture, values and lost ones.

 

WORKSHOPS

Stitch sesh: Wednesday - Friday, 12 - 4pm

Open to anyone who wants to come in and stitch in the gallery :)
Space and advice provided, BYO project.

 

Instagram: @pinchedbykate

 

Start Date
20 November -  
End Date
26 November 2023
Artist
Frankie Berge
Main Image
Paintings by Frankie Berge. Nude figures expressing the queer sacred feminine via exaggerated curves, glowing orange tones, and larger than life scale.
Opening Hours
Tuesday - Sunday: 11am - 7pm
Description

Meniscus is an exhibit comprised of painting, photography and wearable sculpture. An alternative perspective, an invitation to float amongst high expression figures.

Grounded in both the everyday and otherworldly phenomenon of a meniscus, the curve in the surface of water when it touches another substance, I imagine a world between one surface and another, thick with melting light, its own qualities and rules. That magic of natural elements that we sometimes lose amongst its mundane usage. I aim to translate those sensory characteristics into something tangible through my craft. These interpretations are then related back to themes of queerness and the divine feminine - an extension of my identity and perspective on the world. Works explore bending the expected forms of reality - our bodies and emotions with color and composition create portals into a heightened, queer and surreal world.

Start Date
13 November -  
End Date
19 November 2023
Artist
A creative disability collective based in Wellington
Main Image
Made by Marange crafts.
Opening
Opening Hours
Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 6pm
Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Sunday: 10am - 3pm
Description

Made by Maranga is a creative collective of young adults with intellectual disabilities based in Wellington.
We create a wide range of bespoke, ethically produced, handmade products working towards our goal of self-employment.

 

CONTACT

Facebook: Made by Maranga
Instagram: @madebymaranga

 

Start Date
6 November -  
End Date
12 November 2023
Artist
Linda Forrest, Pip Woods, Lyuba Zhilkina, Richard Stratton
Main Image
Ceramic vases by Pip Woods with wilting magnolias.
Opening Hours
Monday: 12 - 6pm
Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 6pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 11am - 4pm
Description

Moments In Clay is a celebration of ceramics by Whanganui-a-Tara ceramic artists, Linda Forrest, Pip Woods, Lyuba Zhilkina and Richard Stratton. This is the third year this highly anticipated exhibition has run, showcasing a range of unique ceramic work by emerging and established makers.

 

CONTACT

 

Linda Forrest
Website: lindaforrest.co.nz
Instagram: @lk.forrest

Pip Wood
Website: pipwoodsceramics.com
Instagram: @pipwoodsceramics

LyubaZhilkina: email
Instagram: @lyubazhilkina

Richard Stratton: email

Instagram: @richard_stratton_nz

Start Date
31 October -  
End Date
5 November 2023
Artist
Presented by White Cloud Worlds
Main Image
Poster for Skullduggery art exhibition. Poster artwork by Jeremy Bennett.
Opening Hours
Tuesday & Wednesday: 10am - 5pm
Thursday & Friday: 10am - 7pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 3pm
Description

 

Its Alive!

The Skullduggery Art Show is back for 2023! This show celebrates Halloween, Horror and the Supernatural and features the work of over 50 local artists. From realism to pop surrealism, lowbrow to sculpture, this extra-ordinary supernatural sensation will feature some of Aotearoa's top entertainment industry artists. Prepare for a little Skullduggery at Thistle Hall from October 30.

Website: whitecloudworlds.com/skullduggery
Instagram: @skullduggery_art_show
Facebook: wcw.art

 

Featuring works by

Andy Shaw  *  Andrew Baker *  Anna Johnstone * Anton Gustilo * Anton Becic * Amit Dutta * Ben Stenbeck * Bill Hunt * Chris Menges * Christian Pearce * Claire Tobin * Clark Roworth * Daniel Falconer * Daniel Ido * EJ Thorpe * Gaboleps * Garry Buckley * Gino Acevedo * Greg Broadmore * Gus Hunter * Iona Brinch * Ivan Vegar * Javier Murcia * Jeremy Bennett * Jemma McLean * Joaquin Loyzaga * Johnny Fraser Allen * Lindsey Crummett * Matt Katz * Matty Rogers * Matt Haworth * McGregor Allen * Malangeo * Nathan Tucker * Nick Keller * Nyssa Skorji * Otis Chamberlain * Paul Tobin * Rebekah Tisch * Ross Murray * Ryan S. Stark * Sam Beetham * Sam Balzer * Simona Tisotti * Simon Morse * Sonja Howard * Stacey Robson * Stacy A Wilde * Steve Lambert * Stephen Njoto * Steven Saunders * Syros Pourlatifi * Tanya Marriott * Tiwei * Tom Robinson * Warren Mahy * G host Lee

 

Poster artwork by Jeremy Bennett.

 

Start Date
24 October -  
End Date
29 October 2023
Artist
Mark Peck and Aaron Frater
Main Image
Painting by Mark Peck. Bold shapes and abstract stairs in blue and russet.
Opening
Opening Hours
Wednesday - Friday: 9am - 6pm
Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Description

 

I've been painting, bold and expressive with lots of colour and form!

Come browse my current collection which started with a strict adherence to shape and form and morphed into loose and abstract. Bring your own creativity and add a mark to our community painting; the little ones can join in too. All contributors go into a draw to win the artwork created.


“Every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Pablo Picasso

 

EVENTS

Tuesday 24 October, 5.30 - 7.30pm
Opening with artist talk 
Facebook event

Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 October, gallery open hours
Make your mark: continuous community painting event

 

CONTACT

Mark Peck: 0274 461 650
Email: peck.m@xtra.co.nz

 

Start Date
17 October -  
End Date
21 October 2023
Artist
James Bennett
Main Image
Exhibition poster featuring paintings by James Bennett
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday, 11am - 7pm
Description

The first exhibition by James Bennett. Painted between 2013 and 2023, these are portraits and figurative paintings using simple forms and colours. The theme focuses on isolation and shared loneliness.


Instagram : @j_bennettart

 

FACEBOOK EVENT

Start Date
10 October -  
End Date
15 October 2023
Artist
Aaron Potaka, Esther Topfer, Sandra Brumby, Deirdra McMenamin
Main Image
Political Football exhibtion poster.
Opening
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Description

Political Football references two distinct cultural meanings across British and American politics. For hot and contentious issues, the Westminster code is to bury or prevaricate in contrast to the US style of scrimmage and fast resolution. The Optiv101 Political Football exhibition uses the US code of play, acting as a broadsheet of diverse readings and commentaries, as each artist kicks some hot issues to the centre field, adding perspective to the wider social and political milieux.
 

LIVE PERFORMANCES

Wednesday 11 October 
Thursday 12 October
Friday 13 October

Start time 7.30pm

In conjunction with Andi Arugula, from PEACE Co-Op Theatre Company the exhibition will host three performances about war & all its greatness with "a gREAT rAW". Inspired by the book We Will Not Cease by Archibald Baxter, conscientious objector, farmer and father of poet James K. Baxter, Andi will perform "a gREAT rAW".

FACEBOOK: Optiv101 Fine Arts and Multimedia Studios