Gallery moves to Hāwera’s new Cultural Centre
Hāwera’s Lysaght Watt Gallery is on the move this month, relocating to a new custom-built space within Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga. The new cultural centre, which also features the public library, isite and a new café, will open to the public on 25 November.
The gallery closed the doors on the Union Street premises next to the Hāwera Town Square, following the Taranaki Arts Trail exhibition on 10 November.
Gallery Secretary Jan Wairua says “The relocation of the Lysaght Watt art gallery to Te Ramanui o Te Ruapūtahanga marks the end of an era and the exciting dawn of a new chapter. After 17 years of enriching the local cultural landscape in its beloved, familiar space in Union Street, the gallery bids farewell to its historic location, where countless exhibitions and artistic milestones have unfolded. With change comes opportunity. The gallery's move to a fresh, dynamic site alongside the Library heralds a new beginning - one that promises to breathe new life into its mission of connecting art with diverse audiences. Volunteer gallery hosting has always been a mainstay of the Lysaght Watt Gallery and we look forward to this remaining so.”
The inaugural exhibition at Lysaght Watt Gallery in Hāwera will showcase the diversity of artists in South Taranaki, featuring artworks that reflect the scope of contemporary art in the district.
Curated by South Taranaki District Council Arts Co-ordinator Michaela Stoneman, Tuata’i – First will feature works in a wide variety of mediums by 20 South Taranaki artists.
“We have a wealth of amazing artists in South Taranaki, each with a unique voice and approach, demonstrating remarkable skill and insight. This show will host a mix of established and emerging artists from our arts community and offers a platform for connection, future collaborations and celebration of our collective creativity’ Stoneman says.
Submitted works include painting, whakairo, printmaking, sculpture, jewellery, textiles, photography and assemblage. The featured artists live throughout the South Taranaki district, including Ōeo, Pūniho, Ōhawē, Pātea, Ōpunakē, Waverley, Hāwera, Eltham, Pungarehu and Manaia.
Artists featured in the exhibition are: Lisa Armett, Mark Bellringer, Gabrielle Belz, Steven Boothe, Dale Copeland, James Davidson, Viv Davy, Kris Donaldson, Reeve Hokopaura, Maree Horner, Paul Hutchinson, Claire Jensen, Jennifer Laracy, Meka Mauriri, Daniel McCrae, Remo Roger Morris, Marianne Muggeridge, Holly Smith, Charlotte Stark and Tim Wigmore.
