Art before Dark returns to Arrowtown - 12 February

by Julian Knights

 

Following on the success of First Thursdays in Queenstown (now in its fourth year), Arrowtown Creative Art Society (ACAC) felt that a similar event in Arrowtown would offer art enthusiasts and Christmas shoppers a chance to enjoy the wide diversity of art showcased in the nine galleries now operating in the historic village.

The galleries will stay open until 7pm and there will be an artist’s talk at several. Enjoy the chance to wander down through the village and chat to artists and gallery owners in a very relaxed setting. You might well find that missing piece you were looking for or a Christmas gift for a special person.

2024 has seen two new galleries opening in Arrowtown:

Superpartner, curated by acclaimed local artist Marc Blake and highly experienced art educator Derrick Cherie. The gallery is tucked away behind Provisions Café in the old studio previously occupied by Graham Brinsley. Their first show features acclaimed NZ artist Georgie Hill. There will be a talk at 6pm.

Giraffe, Dalene and Pieter Meiring’s gallery, features bright and playful works, many created by Dalene. The current show features Kirsty Mills. The gallery is off Buckingham Street in the space occupied by Blue Moon and next to Wolf Roasters.

The other Galleries participating are:

Jenny Mehrtens, who has a beautiful studio at the top of the village will showcase her new body of work 'Camp', with a talk at 5.15pm. Jenny spent many happy summers at the family camp in Southland. Her pictures are evocative of the time she spent there.

Birdwood Gallery now has sculptural work from owner Jack Stobart alongside a fascinating range of Zimbabwean stone carvings and other African craft works. Bonhams has a fascinating mix of contemporary furniture and art pieces from a number of highly regarded international designers. Nadene Milne, well known for representing many of the most important NZ contemporary artists, has a new show by NZ painter Judy Millar. Astor Bristed, located next to La Rumbla, has a strong show of contemporary NZ work.

Lakes District Museum has its highly popular 30x30 exhibition on display. Local artists are invited to submit work in a standard 30x30cm size and there are some amazing images condensed into this format. Fiona Garlick, the well-known local artist who makes beautiful work in Bronze, has a studio at the other end of the village just past the Green. Fiona will talk about her latest work at 6.30pm.