New Space for artists
When Sarah Williams said last year that she was closing Space Gallery and Studio, there must have been a collective intake of breath by the arts community.
Then when she announced that not only was Space continuing its work promoting and supporting Whanganui artists, but that it was moving into bigger premises, the sigh of relief was universal.
The new “Space” is on the corner of Taupo Quay and St Hill St, and was built as the Metropolitan Hotel in 1896.
A fire in 1949 destroyed some of the upper storey, but the hotel continued until the 1950s, after which it was sold and became home to a succession of businesses and uses, including a temporary police station while the Bell St premises were being built.
Its latest incarnation can only be good for the arts in Whanganui.
The inside is bright, open and prepared for its new function as multiple galleries. Paint has been applied, lights raised, partitions added or removed, walls prepared for art display. Sarah’s father helped with the painting and Signs and Engraving loaned scaffolding.
“Pretty much all the tradies have been with us from the start, seeing Space grow up, so they’re all quite emotionally invested in the place. They care, and that’s encouraging.”
Gallery One is large and light, with an area that contained changing rooms from the building’s previous use as a martial arts centre. Sarah sees that space as ideal for three-dimensional works on plinths with the rest of Gallery One for hanging art.
“It’s a more conventional space, similar to what we had,” says Sarah.
“Gallery Two is huge and is a kind of more contemporary space: a less-is-more approach in terms of works.”
It includes an events area and bar, as well as Sarah’s work station.
Lighting is a combination of pendants and ceiling fluorescent tubes, with plenty of natural light flowing in via windows and skylights. Ceilings are black with walls mostly white, with some black.
There are two entrances: one from the carpark on Taupo Quay, the other on the corner.
There is also what Sarah is calling a “pop-up gallery”.
“This is a little entry-level space which gives me options if we’re fully booked. It gives emerging artists an opportunity to get some exposure and they benefit from more established artists having exhibitions alongside them. It stacks up with our original ethos.”
The new building has better profile and is a few seconds’ walk from the original Space, in which the upstairs studios remain in use.
“The artists have been incredible; they’ve got behind it, and it shows Space is needed here in Whanganui and it’s serving a good purpose. Our goal is to make it sustainable.”
Space opens with a public event this Saturday, February 16, at 6.30pm, combining the official launch of La Fiesta.
On display will be works by Tia Ranginui titled film stills (Gallery One) and, in Gallery Two, a group show titled X (ten) by Simon Ormerod (Cracked Ink), Katherine Claypole, Perry Davies, Margaret Silverwood, Paul Rayner, Samantha Matthews, Mark Rayner, Laura Papple, Graham Hall and Katie Brown.
“In the pop-up we have Katie Shand’s debut solo show called seasons sway. It’s a really nice link with La Fiesta, exploring women through a feminine medium.”