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Makers and artists in Leigh now have a new retail store to sell their wares, thanks to Foundation Gallery & Arts Hub founder Hillary Austin.
She has taken over the shop next door to the Totara Road gallery and is turning it into Collective, a shop that will sell a diverse range of locally produced goods. These will include candles and perfumes from Goldminer’s Daughter, Andres Villegas’ Honey by the Sea, ceramics by Rachel Waterhouse, fabric items sewn by Waste Free Leigh, photographic art, knitted items and others.
Austin says the store came about as there were so many local people designing and making wonderful things, but who had nowhere in Leigh to sell them. At Collective, they can rent a space at a nominal rent and have a permanent indoor space to display and sell their wares.
“It’s locals for locals, a real collective,” she says.
In addition, the rear of the store will provide extra studio space for Foundation’s growing range of art projects, workshops and classes.
The Collective store will have its grand opening on Wednesday, December 9 at 6.30pm, when NZ fashion legend and Leigh local Dame Trelise Cooper is not only declaring the shop open, but is rumoured to be taking a retail space herself.
The opening coincides with Foundation’s young Barefoot Artists Christmas party and the opening their latest show, which has an Earth theme.
Austin says the evening will be a fun end to a busy year, as well as providing locals with a chance to do a bit of seasonal shopping.
“If anyone is thinking about where to get some interesting Christmas treats for family and friends, please come along and, at the same time support our local businesses and enjoy the term work of our ‘fabulousleigh’ talented youngsters,” she says.
Collective is expected to be open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Anyone who wants to know more can contact Hillary Austin on 0210 891 6855 or email foundationleighnz@gmail.com
