The art of Nelson
Home to hundreds of painters, sculptors, potters and the like, Colleen Simpson explores this slice of paradise punches above its weight in creative circles.
Nelson has a rather enviable problem in that it suffers from too much of a good thing, or things even.
An outsider’s view of Nelson is likely to include memories of a seemingly ever present little sun on the television weather map or stunning promotional photos of the jewel in the region’s tourism crown – the Abel Tasman National Park.
It has a reputation as being home to hippies, retirees, and lifestylers with a penchant for jandals and long hair, but did you know it also hosts a vibrant and thriving artistic community?
Nelson doesn’t exactly suffer an image problem.
After all, what New Zealand city wouldn’t to be known for its glorious climate and beaches as well as it’s proximity to not one but three national parks.
But Nelsonians would like the world at large to know that there’s more to their fair city than sun and sand – and they’re right.
You don’t have to scratch far below the sunshine to find a culture rich in artistic endeavours of almost any kind.
Here in this little slice of paradise, jewellery makers ply their wares alongside sculptors, potters, and painters, it’s an art lover’s paradise.
A visitor would be hard pressed to spend more than a few minutes in town without stumbling across a gallery, market stall, or a handpainted sign guiding the way to an artist’s studio.
The jury is out as to why Nelson has such a creative populace, but really, who cares?
Nelson is what it is, and it’s not nice, it’s brilliant.
Art with heart
This city of 45,000 is home to art aficionados who have helped bolster and support the city’s lively arts scene, which should in turn put this creative little corner of paradise on the itinerary of art lovers from all over.
After all, Nelson is the birthplace of the jawdropping World of WearableArt show, and is home to the museum where 500 of the show’s garments from past years are housed in a revolving permanent collection. It’s a mustsee when in town.
If it’s a purchase you’re after, Art Expo Nelson is one of the country’s premier art shows, bringing together roughly 2000 pieces from hundreds of South Island artists for a three-day art banquet.
The expo is a chance for aficionados and beginners to admire and buy, project manager Nic Foster says.
‘‘Purchasing art is a very heartfelt, emotive process for an individual – it takes time to look but just seconds to connect,’’ he says.
The expo takes place over Labour Weekend.
The Nelson Arts Festival was originally conceived to bolster the entertainment on offer to people visiting for the World of WearableArt show, but it has blossomed since that event moved to the other side of Cook Strait.
Now in its 22nd year, the festival embraces music, theatre, books, comedy, dance, cabaret,