A big 50th bash for gallery
Thousands of people turned up to celebrate the 50th birthday of New Plymouth’s premier art gallery.
The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery celebrated its halfcentury with a street party right outside its front doors on Queen Street on Saturday afternoon.
The sun was shining, there was a giant cake, confetti cannons, artist talks, interactive art, music, food and drink, as well as the worldwide premiere of Len Lye’s sculpture, Sky Snakes – an installation of seven, 4.5 metre, ceiling-hanging chains that rotate and spin to create wave patterns.
‘‘It was wonderful. It had a real inclusive, relaxed vibe and we felt like it was a really warm and happy celebration of Monica Brewster’s legacy and the gallery,’’ gallery co-director Aileen Burns said.
Monica Brewster was a New Plymouth-born art lover who gave the city £50,000 (NZ$102,000) in 1962 to establish a public gallery, which was eventually set up in the old Regent Cinema on Queen St.
Burns said she was delighted with the turn-out.
‘‘We haven’t done an estimate for the street but more than 1000 people came through the gallery itself so it would have been well more than that.’’
Burns said her highlight was the giant, glittery birthday cake by local artist Rueben Patterson accompanied by 500 cupcakes handed out to party-goers.
The director, who shares the role with Johan Lundh, said it put a smile on everyone’s faces.
‘‘It was a moment for everyone to be kids and celebrate.’’
There was live music throughout the day from O Juliet, Serious Happiness, Charlotte Johansen, Hans Pucket, and Dictaphone Blues
‘‘It was a good mix of acts with some great local content and for me, personally, I didn’t really know the band Hans Pucket before and they were great,’’ Burns said.
‘‘Just a cool, young band and it was my first chance to see them live.’’