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Grant and Sally Marshall have opened Small Works Gallery in Matakana Village to make art more accessible and to breakdown some of the barriers which prevent people from enjoying art galleries.
“People should feel comfortable entering an art gallery, but often it is an intimidating experience,” Sally says. “We want to make the gallery a welcoming space, where people are encouraged to come and enjoy the art.”
The gallery has over 120 works stacked from floor to ceiling. This makes it fell more like a retail space, encouraging people to browse, Grant says.
“It’s more like a stock room than a gallery. There are no exhibitions. Everything we have is on show. We have a high turnover, so the art is always changing.”
Grant has handpicked every work in gallery from recognised artists around the country.
“A lot of other galleries have been turned into gift shops, selling crafts and trinkets. We only show high quality work that we really love. I’ve spent months visiting artists, picking work that will appeal to a range of people. We’ve got an eclectic mix from water colours of the southern alps, to abstract works and fine art prints.”
The couple are also artists and have their own work on display in the gallery. Sally paints while Grant’s passion is photography. Grant says he hopes the gallery will help other people find a passion for art.
“A lot of people say ‘I love art, but I don’t know anything about it’. All you need to know is what you like. We want people to come in here and discover what they like.”
Grant and Sally have worked in advertising for decades and started the film company which produced and directed the famous Tip Top trumpet commercial that launched Rachel Hunter’s career.
They lived on the Kaipara Harbour for 12 years before moving to Te Arai two years ago.
The couple also own The Jewel Box and Damask in Matakana Village.
