Ivy Box celebrates ten years
The Ivy Box is celebrating a big milestone this month — ten years in business! They’re hosting an event on Friday to commemorate, showcasing new art by past and present artists, music, and nibbles. All art lovers are encouraged to come along and join in.
Founder and artist Lynda Hensman opened the doors in 2015 after wanting to create a space for herself and other contemporary artists to create and display their work.
“There was nowhere at the time for passionate, contemporary New Zealand artists to share their work,” says Hensman.
“Creating art for me is a form of true expression. Usually, there’s a lot of emotion in painted into what I create, hence the expression: be true to yourself and ‘create outside of the square’.
“All of the artwork shared at the Ivy Box is created by artists who are true to their unique selves.”
Gallery manager Gemma McCabe explains that they display art from artists around New Zealand and a few Queenstown-based ones, too.
“We’ve asked some of our past artists to bring in new work, so we have a gallery full of some beautiful pieces, more than we normally would,” McCabe says. “What’s distinctive about the Ivy Box is just creating outside the square and being unique.”
Artist Peter Atkin will come from Te Awamutu, while locals Rachel Harper-Dibley and fashion and jewellery designer Jane Sutherland will be in attendance, too. ‘Veteran’ Ivy Box exhibitors Robin Brisker and Antoinette Beck will also be there, while Jen Heads will showcase her work at the Queenstown gallery for the first time. Other artists that are showcasing and will be in attendance include Christine Maynard, Karl Daniela, and of course, Lynda Hensman.
Art will range from sculptural art using woven venetian blinds to painted canvases to oxidised copper wall hangs, ranging from contemporary to abstract – all pieces will be available to purchase.
“We’re really excited to bring everyone together – people who love art, as well as our past artists and any supporters of the Ivy Box along the way. We really just want to raise a glass and say a massive thank you to everyone that has supported us.”
Tucked away just around from Queenstown Gardens, the gallery is housed in the town’s original butcher’s shop and had a 1970’s-style bungalow on top. In 2021 it was restored and extended to include a modern gallery and artists’ residence. Lynda worked closely with architects to ensure the old stonework was preserved and that the climbing plants, which give the Ivy Box its name, were able to grow back.
“We’ve had ten truly inspiring years here,” says Hensman.
“I’m proud to say that the Ivy Box has been a venue for authentic contemporary art that’s created by New Zealand artists who have a particular dedication to their creative soul.
“I’ve been an artist all my life, and ‘outside of the square’ creativity that comes from the heart has always been really important to me. I’m thrilled that the Ivy Box has become a home and community hub for this kind of art in Queenstown – and to reach ten years is a special privilege which I’m looking forward to celebrating.”
You can join in on the celebrations at their event on Friday, 21 November, from 4.30pm – 7.30pm. Otherwise, the works will continue to be on display from 10am – 2pm, Sunday to Thursday at The Ivy Box, 134 Park Street, Queenstown.
