Arts Junction arts heart of town
Arts in Katikati finally have a new home in the heart of town to showcase the many talents of the community, with Friday’s opening of the Arts Junction.
Katch Katikati in conjunction with the Arts Collective took over Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s old library and service centre facility on September 1 and has been given a fresh, new, arty look. It is now home of a modern art gallery, Visitor Information Centre, Open-Air Art, Katch Katikati and other creative groups.
The opening of the Arts Junction is a dream come true for Open-Air Art chairman Steve Graveson.
“For 30 years people have had the forsight to establish what we’ve got now. It’s thanks to people like Cath Mair and the Haiku group, the Carltons and Katch Katikati that we now have a home.
“It’s thanks to mayor Garry Webber, Blaise Williams and the community board that council has been pro-arts, for entrusting us with this. And Jacqui for being the leader who got us there. This is a prime spot and we couldn’t have done it on our own.”
The new Carlton Gallery, named in honour of the late June Carlton QSM, and husband Colin Carlton, was opened by their son Mark, daughters Tracy and Toni and grandson Tai. Speaking on behalf of the family, Toni thanked the community for the honour.
She said it was lovely to see the community moving forward.
“Mum would have been so excited to see how far you’ve come. She loved art and she loved the community, Dad did too in his own way.
“We are very grateful and will keep coming back to bring our children and grandchildren.”
June Carlton, known as the ‘mural lady’, was a founder member of Open-Air Art. June and Colin between them had many talents that were put to good use on the OAA projects, not only with artists but also designing, building and organising many of the towns memorable occasions and attractions during their time.
The circular artworks in the first exhibition titled Around Katikati, were superb, many sold on the night. The gallery is already booked for exhibitions until early January.
Town promotions manager Jacqui Knight said it had been a long time coming and the finished result was great.
“I’m really happy with the way it looks. I didn’t realise how nice the wooden ceilings were. The gallery is superb, the shop area is really nice, with some great local product.”
The $100,000 first stage fit out included set up costs with minor changes to the interior, painting, flooring and lighting in the new Carlton Gallery and some furnishings. A 3-D mural painted on the floor by multi-award winning artist Marc Spijkerbosch, greets visitors at the door. The Visitor Information Centre has space for people to mingle, and there are rooms for groups to meet. Stage 2 will be the multi-use cinema/ theatre area.