Kiwi artists shine bright at Tait Gallery
There is much more to Hanmer Springs than hot pools, and as the township grows so too are its cultural offerings.
Tait Gallery opened in 2017 and today has a rotating display of more than 150 works from over 30 New Zealand artists, many of them local.
Paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolours are joined by sculptures, glassware, woodturning and prints, with subject matter ranging from landscapes and portraits to colourful abstract works.
There is also pounamu, pottery, jewellery, glassware, photography and even a children’s art section to which young visitors can contribute.
Owner William Taylor says new artists arrive at the gallery about once a week hoping to have their works added to the collection.
One of those was Levin-based carver David Brandon, who last month sent the gallery one of his bespoke rocking horses.
‘‘It’s made from rosewood and American ash in the traditional way without screws, with proper horse hair and saddlery. It’s just the sort of thing grandparents dream of buying for their grandchildren,’’ William says.
Colourful fibreglass sculptures by Sue Lund are another standout, with pigs, cats and other animals covered in bold, vibrant patterns.
Works range from about $100 to $7000, making them widely accessible for such a popular tourist destination. Purchased items can be packaged and shipped anywhere in the world, with free deliveries into Christchurch.
As the weather warms, Tait Gallery will be getting into the festive spirit with complimentary tea and Christmas cake to be served in front of the Conical Hill Rd gallery on sunny weekend days.
Families can get involved, too, with children having the chance to create a painting, have it hung on the gallery’s wall and earn money if it sells.
‘‘Kids from the age of eight to 14 or 15 can come in with their parents and we’ll give them the materials free of charge and they go away and paint a picture at their holiday home or wherever they’re staying. We then hang it up and they can tell everyone they’ve got a painting hanging at Tait Gallery!
‘‘We’ve sold five of those pieces by children. They are very excited, of course, and the mums and dads even more so,’’ William says.
Tait Gallery currently has a pop-up shop in the Boulder Point retail complex on Chisholm Cres in addition to its home on Conical Hill Rd. The gallery is closed on Wednesdays but will likely open every day for the busy holiday period.
Tait Gallery is located at 34
Conical Hill Rd, Hanmer
Springs. For more information, call 027 432 5914 or visit taitgallery.co.nz.
Works range from about $100 to $7000, making them widely accessible ....