Sign In / Register
Nicky Everett moved permanently north from Auckland 18 months ago and believes the relaxed lifestyle in Mangawhai, as well as the space, encourages creativity.
Art plays an integral role in the community culture and spirit of Mangawhai, with many professional and amateur artists living permanently in the area.Last December, the area’s first community exhibition space opened in the former museum in Moir Street.
Staffed by volunteers, the space is quickly establishing itself as a much sought after venue for small-scale exhibitions.
Mangawhai Artists Inc president Jan Grover says the gallery is fully booked for the year, with shows changing about every two weeks. The beach and coastal environments are a strong influence in the works on show.
But the group hopes the small gallery will be just a stepping-stone to a purpose-build complex, on land near the museum.
“Developing the concept plans takes considerable time and resources, but we are quietly pursuing it,” Jan says. “A dedicated complex would enable us to utilise the expertise of the professional artists and retired tertiary level tutors who live in Mangawhai to run school holiday programmes and recreational classes.
“But, for the moment, we are content with our new little gallery.”
The group also runs two art trails a year – in autumn during the Walking Weekend and on Labour Weekend – and 18 artists are also involved in a permanent Arts Trail, which is run by appointment.
