Art of change

Tauranga Art Gallery’s planned renovation has begun; in the meantime, opportunities for art continue throughout the local community.

words Monique Balvert-O’Connor

Although the iconic Tauranga Art Gallery has temporarily shut its doors, there’s more than a silver lining to the closure. What will follow is pure gold, explains excited gallery director Sonya Korohina.

The gallery’s main building is closed for renovations, reopening next summer as a more inclusive and connected facility. Gallery visitors can expect some “wonderful” new inclusions, such as a creativity centre for all ages, a gallery space especially for tamariki, a dedicated retail space for destination shoppers featuring a high proportion of works by Tauranga Moana artists and designers; and a café offering a curated food experience by day, plus a bookable hospitality space by night. Adding immediate wow will be a grand new entrance allowing a “lovely interplay” with Masonic Park, and a view into the gallery.

The gallery’s closure coincides with work beginning on the redevelopment of Masonic Park. The art gallery’s entrance will relocate from Wharf Street to the opposite side of the building, to be part of the new Te Manawataki o Te Papa vibrant community space. The art gallery will open up into this new cultural precinct, kept company by the likes of Baycourt and the new museum and library. The licensed café will be to the side of the gallery entrance.

“The café will enhance the gallery as a social space, offering people a place to gather before or after their gallery experience. A great espresso is a good way to attract new visitors – ones who have been at the café and then decide to venture beyond into the exhibitions,” Sonya explains.

The gallery’s revamp will involve working within the building’s footprint, except for extending to the parameters of the gallery’s land to accommodate the new entrance. Internal spaces will essentially remain the same, except for the relocation of the foyer, and a reimagining of space in the children’s area. The creativity centre will move to what’s currently the entrance/foyer on Wharf Street, and above (in what’s now a super-high ceiling void) will be a children’s gallery.

“We have to always be looking to the future and creating a world that the next generation can live in and be uplifted by,” Sonya says. The gallery project will fit the bill.

Art opportunities continue during the main building’s closure. Check out the TAG POP UP Gallery and learning space on Devonport Road, opposite the library. POP UP Exhibitions include Tauranga Moana Waterscapes: 1800s – Present and Wunderboxes (involving a map and a quest to find captivating, interactive art installations hidden throughout central Tauranga Moana).

artgallery.org.nz

Go to town

It’s not all ancient history at Tauranga’s Historic Village. In fact, there’s a world of contemporary pleasures to get amongst.

WORDS Kate Underwood PHOTOS Salina Galvan

At the foot of 17th Avenue West is a village where makers, bakers, creatives and community organisations come together to offer a unique heritage destination amid original and replica early-Tauranga buildings. The grounds are open seven days a week and entry is free, so gather the crew for a nostalgic excursion to explore and meet the locals. Here are a few you could encounter…

The Whipped Baker

Fuel a wander of the old-timey streets at The Whipped Baker, where you’ll be greeted with a feast for the eyes as well as your stomach, with an array of treats including generous cream donuts, steak and cheese pies, raw salads and ‘freaking good’ shakes. Initially a humble bakery stall founded by Fran and Aaron Cooper at the Tauranga Farmers’ Market in 2006, by 2016 The Whipped Baker had a permanent corner site in the heart of the Historic Village, complete with plenty of local Little Drum coffee to perk up visitors and neighbours. They also have a catering service that offers antipasto platters and birthday cakes for all your party needs.

THEWHIPPEDBAKER

White Silk Bridal Couture

At White Silk Bridal Couture, you’ll find a timeless collection of elegant silk and lace-laden wedding gowns. Each piece is hand-crafted here by lead designer Nicky Hayward, who prides herself on creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for all her brides. Everything is made to measure and of the highest quality befitting of such a significant day. Whether you’re a bride or not, it’s worth popping into this whimsical sanctuary to lust over the Swarovski jewels.

WHITESILKBRIDAL.COM

Imprint Gallery 

Imprint Gallery celebrates original, diverse and affordable prints from local and national artists. Co-owner Jackie Knotts is a printmaker who specialises in linocut relief printing, while painter Stella Clark has her studio base at the gallery and works with fine-art prints called giclée created on high-quality cotton rag paper. Both are deeply passionate about the intricate nature of printmaking and love chatting to visitors about the techniques involved. 

IMPRINTGALLERY.ART

The Makers 

If you’ve enjoyed Tauranga’s Oktoberfest, Gincredible or Night Owl Cinema, you have The Makers to thank. Amy Kemeys and Becks Clarke are the dynamic and resourceful duo behind the multi-faceted project and event company, based at the Historic Village. With 25 years of experience, they believe in the power of gathering together and can turn any idea into an engaging occasion, whether a private theatre screening, a corporate party or a boutique culinary celebration.

WEARETHEMAKERS.CO.NZ

Leadlight Expressions

Lynn and Steve Sinclair are the masterminds at Leadlight Expressions, purveyors of beautiful fused leadlight and stained-glass creations. Part of the village since 2003, they design, manufacture and repair everything leadlight, from commissions for private homes to restorations for churches, including Tauranga’s Holy Trinity. No design is repeated, the couple working with each of their clients to transform simple sketches into stained or textured-glass form. As well as selling made-to-order jewellery and more, they host monthly workshops at which you can craft an exquisite piece of your own. 

LEADLIGHTEXPRESS.CO.NZ

HISTORICVILLAGE.CO.NZ