Arts Guide
WhanganuiNZ.com
Haere mai
ki Whanganui
Welcome
to Whanganui
Whanganui is one of New Zealand’s most
interesting and distinctive places to visit
with a rich cultural heritage and vibrant
arts scene.
Home to over 400 resident artists, New Zealand’s only glass
school and numerous galleries open to the public, Whanganui
hosts a visual feast every day of the year. Significant glass art
is designed and made with many of our glass artists
internationally recognised and awarded. All the Middle-earth
glass goblets, beer and wine bottles and inkwells for ‘The Hobbit’
movie were also made here.
Whanganui has a high calibre of contemporary professional
artists having been the historic home of the Quay School of
the Arts – Bachelor of Fine Arts and the home of UCOL’s new
Bachelor of Design and Arts. Tutors regularly exhibit and
win national and international awards and graduates find
residencies and feature in national exhibitions.
As one of New Zealand’s oldest towns you cannot explain
Whanganui without understanding a little of its history
and this is evident in the numerous heritage buildings and
attractions to be found.
Architecture from many eras is a major feature of Whanganui.
Victorian and Edwardian treasures co-exist with fine examples
of mid-twentieth century modern architecture. Marae
(gathering places), homesteads and civic buildings provide
a strong sense of place and identity and the concentration
of significant heritage buildings found here is rare in New
Zealand.
Discover the stories yourself or take a guided tour. Stay a little
longer with us and experience all Whanganui has to offer.
Tēnā koutou katoa.
An array of artistic expression – mosaics, photography, jewellery,
paintings, pastel, pottery, print-making and textiles all contribute
to the colours of Whanganui including significant pieces of
sculpture. Along the riverbank on Somme Parade and in the
many gardens you will find treasured pieces of art each with a
story and special meaning to the Whanganui community.
2WhanganuiNZ.com
Welcome to Whanganui3
Contents
Artists Open Studios
& Glass Festival
5
Art Media
6
Galleries & Studios
10
Whanganui City Map
18
Public Sculpture
20
Studios Open By Appointment 30
Artists Open Studios
& Glass Festival
Towards the end of March each year over
60 Whanganui artists open their doors in
a generous and eclectic gift of hospitality
and sharing for the Artists Open Studios
and Glass Festival event. Take this unique
opportunity to experience an artist’s
creative world, ask questions and watch
the work as you visit.
Started in 1998 by artists Catherine Macdonald and Sue Cooke,
the Artists Open Studios event has grown from the riverside to
a district wide event. Exhibitions, classes and workshops may
all be included to unleash your own creative instincts. Some
artist’s exhibit alone and others combine to share a studio for
the event.
This is an ever-changing and organic event so each year offers
something different drawing you back again and again.
Last year Whanganui artists sold over $100,000 in artwork
during the event so you too might choose yourself a piece of
Whanganui art or taonga (treasure) to remember your visit
and entice you to return again.
www.openstudios.co.nz
www.wanganuiglass.co.nz
If you can’t make the event, many studios
and artists offer weekend workshops
throughout the year.
Check http://WhanganuiNZ.com for more
information on these events.
4WhanganuiNZ.com
Artists Open Studios & Glass Festival5
Art Media
Glass
The Wanganui Glass Group promotes Whanganui as a centre of
excellence in NZ glass art. It comprises over 40 artists,
educators and students – the largest population of glass artists
in NZ. A range of workshops are offered throughout the
year by nationally recognised artists and have been designed
for beginners to advanced.
Chronicle Glass Studio is open year round and from
mid-September visitors can view glass blowing and hot kilns
operating in the former press pit of the city’s newspaper.
Several of Whanganui’s glass artists are internationally
renowned and awarded and each year more are recognised for
their expertise. From time to time master classes are arranged
as well for those wishing to extend their knowledge and skills.
From kiln forming and image making, glass bead making to
making your own glass paperweight, glass blowing and kiln
glass fusing, slumping and firing, these are special
opportunities to learn something unique and beautiful.
www.wanganuiglass.co.nz
Painting & Drawing
Many of Whanganui’s artists are talented in more than one
medium so you’ll often see a range of work in a range of styles
in various studios and galleries. Paint, pen, ink, calligraphy
and pencil works can be found with oils, gouache, pastels and
watercolours creating everything from landscapes, animals,
and botanical scenes. There is something for everyone’s taste
including energetic expressive abstracts and limited editions.
6WhanganuiNZ.com
Jewellery
Look out for Whanganui contemporary jewellery made from
precious metals and other materials in a number of galleries
and studios in town. Some is quite quirky and other works
more traditional and of course with the abundance of glass
artists Whanganui jewellery also features glass beads,
flamework and fused glass pendants. This is the place to be for
hand crafted unique designs of high quality workmanship.
Some of our glass bead artists can be found at The River
Traders and Whanganui Farmers Markets each weekend.
Photography
Traditional analogue photography techniques and modern
digital photography are both strong in Whanganui due to Rita
Dibert’s efforts in the dark room and a strong Camera Club. In
addition, McNamara Photography Gallery features changing
exhibitions of nationally renowned photography.
Textiles
Felting with wool and silks is all the rage plus transforming old
and everyday fabrics to create an individual piece. We also have
art frocks, wearable art costumes and a puppet maker.
Mosaics
Whanganui has a few mosaic artists with one studio located
centrally. The size of the work available is as small as a side
plate or as large as you want it to be. Consider mosaics for wall
art, garden art, flat surfaces such as tables and bench tops or
simply as statement pieces in their own right. Don’t be
afraid to commission a piece or make your own at one of the
regular workshops if that’s what takes your fancy.
Art Media7
Printmaking
Home to the Central Print Council of Aotearoa NZ,
printmaking in all its forms abound. Woodcuts, letterpress
printing, etching, lino printing, viscosity printing, deep relief
etching, retrospective design and typography and the digital
future of print can be found in our art. Workshops held
throughout the year attract professionals and novices alike.
http://cpanz.org.nz
Furniture
Furniture produced and crafted in Whanganui is a real treat
and will provide a unique addition to any home. Occasional
furniture mixed with printmaking is just one option by
Catherine MacDonald and at Bricksticks, Greg Betts is a master
furniture maker. Greg uses native timbers to craft a range of
classic turned rocking chairs, strikingly contemporary dining
chairs, beds, tables and cabinets.
Pottery
Potters of all ages and walks of life reside in the region and the
Wanganui Potters Society has over 90 members. Public raku
firings are held once a month at the Community Arts Centre
from 9:00am to 1:00pm and two exhibitions are held each year.
Local studios exhibit and sell ceramics, raku fired works,
sculpture, domestic ware, porcelain and stoneware including
plates to serve royalty and funky teapots.
Wood & Metal
Claudia Borella
Glass Design Ltd.
28 Nixon Street, Whanganui East
021 2499 468
[email protected]
www.claudiaborella.com
📞
✉
💻
Studio of Whanganui-based international glass artist
Claudia Borella, this is the preferred distributer and kiln forming
partner for Bullseye Glass products in New Zealand hosting
international master classes by guest instructors throughout
the year. Please contact Claudia Borella for more information or
to join the mailing list. Open by special appointment only. Visit
the website for www.claudiaborella.com for more information.
We welcome you to join in the creativity and have fun. Individual
classes and groups welcome.
Sarjeant
on the Quay
38 Taupō Quay
06 349 0506
[email protected]
www.sarjeant.org.nz
📞
✉
💻
Visit the Sarjeant Gallery in its exciting new temporary home on
Taupo Quay, opposite the Information Centre. With dynamic
regularly changing exhibitions set in a sleek contemporary space
within an historic warehouse, the Sarjeant is a “must see” in your
journey of discovery through the Whanganui Region. The
Gallery’s shop specialises in exclusive gifts including jewellery,
objects & glass. Monday to Sunday 10.30am to 4.30pm. Anzac
Day 1 to 4.30 pm. Christmas Day & Good Friday: Closed
The Glass
Factory NZ
Artists also produce and experiment with sculpture and
installations made from a range of new and recycled timber,
drfitwood and metals including copper and steel. A moa in
driftwood, a rosebush in copper, industrial sculpture and fine
wooden jewellery all show the amazing creativity in
Whanganui’s arts community.
21 Kings Avenue, Wanganui
021 113 7970
[email protected]
www.glass-newzealand.co.nz
8WhanganuiNZ.com
Art Media9
📞
✉
💻
Glass artist David Traub’s working studio is open all year by
appointment. Originally from New York, David’s passion for glass
sees his work exhibited around the world and in 10 galleries in
New Zealand. Visitors can discuss David’s work, ideas and
techniques with him and view the Kitchen Gallery: displays of
glass artwork for viewing or purchase. David holds introductory
Kiln Glass workshops during the year, and organizes special
workshops for small groups by request.
Galleries & Studios
Art & Framing
Chronicle Glass
Gallery and Studio
2 Rutland Street
+6 347 1921
[email protected]
www.chronicleglass.co.nz
📞
17 Taupō Quay
+6 348 4463
www.artandframing.co.nz
✉
📞
💻
💻
Monday
12:00pm to 4:00pm
Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday to Friday
10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday
9:30am to 2:00pm
Sunday 11:00am to 3:00pm
Winter Hours:
Cooks Gallery
Wanganui Arts Society
Trafalgar Place
(off Ridgway Street)
+6 345 7757
www.wanganuiartssociety.co.nz
📞
💻
Saturday
10:00am to 4:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am to 1:00pm
Wednesday – Saturday
10:00am to 4:00pm
David Traub Glass
The Glass
Factory NZ
21 Kings Avenue, Gonville
+64 21 113 7970
[email protected]
glass-newzealand.co.nz
📞
✉
💻
Open Daily By Appointment
10WhanganuiNZ.com
Galleries & Studios11
Edith Gallery
UCOL
Leftbank
Art Supplies
Whanganui UCOL,
Taupō Quay entrance
www.ucol.ac.nz
19 Taupō Quay
+6 345 0949
[email protected]
📞
💻
✉
Tuesday to Friday
10:00am to 3:00pm
Weekdays
10:00am to 4:00pm
Saturday 11:00am to 1:00pm
Saturday
10:00am to 1:00pm
Gallery
on Guyton
McNamara
Gallery
Photography
62 Guyton Street
+27 310 2055
[email protected]
📞
190 Wicksteed Street
+6 348 7320
✉
✉ [email protected]
📞
💻 www.mcnamara.co.nz
Wednesday to Saturday
11:00am to 4:00pm
Tuesday to Saturday
11:00am to 3:00pm
Or By Appointment
Ivan Vostinar
Gallery
Louise Herdman
Mosaic Studio
7 Rangiora Street, Castlecliff
+6 927 6828 / +21 2569236
[email protected]
www.vostinar.com
50 Guyton Street
+27 375 4715
[email protected]
www.mosaicpictures.co.nz
📞
📞
✉
✉
💻
💻
Tuesday to Friday
10:00am to 2:00pm
12WhanganuiNZ.com
Monday
1:00 to 4:00pm
Saturday
10:00am to 4:00pm
Galleries & Studios13
Rayner Brothers
Gallery
Sand Hill
Studio Gallery
52 Guyton Street
+27 270 9497 (Mark)
+27 393 3550 (Paul)
www.raynerbrothers.com
170 Heads Road, Gonville
+6 347 8442
[email protected]
www.sandhillgallery.co.nz
📞
📞
✉
💻
💻
Wednesday to Friday 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Wednesday to Friday
12:00pm to 4:00pm
Saturday
10:00am to 1:00pm
Saturday 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Or By Appointment
Red Bach
Gallery
Space Studio
& Gallery
9 Rapaki Street, Turakina Beach
+6 327 3606 / +27 494 0137
[email protected]
www.redbachgallery.co.nz
64 Taupō Quay
+21 371 8595
[email protected]
www.spacestudiogallery.co.nz
📞
📞
✉
✉
💻
Friday to Sunday
💻
10:00am to 4:00pm
Tuesday to Thursday 10:00am to 2:00pm
Friday
12:00pm to 4:00pm
Saturday (Extended shows only) 10:00am to 2:00pm
Sarjeant Gallery
Te Whare o Rehua
Whanganui
Sue Cooke
Gallery & Studio
38 Taupō Quay
+6 349 0506
[email protected]
68A Guyton Street
+6 345 0156 / +27 615 0634
www.suecooke.co.nz
📞
✉
📞
💻 www.sarjeant.org.nz
💻
Sarjeant on the Quay - 38 Taupō Quay
Monday to Friday Monday to Sunday
Or By Appointment
10:30am to 4:30pm
1:00pm to 5:00pm
Sarjeant on the Quay - 31 Taupō Quay (upstairs at the i-SITE)
Weekdays
8:30am to 5:00pm
Weekends
9:00am to 4:00pm
14WhanganuiNZ.com
Galleries & Studios15
Tree Studio
WHMilbank
Gallery &
Philip Trusttum
Showroom
37 Moutoa Quay
+27 899 3932
ww.treeobjectspace.com
📞
Saturday 10:00am to 2:00pm
1B Bell Street
+27 628 6877 or +6 345 9435
[email protected]
www.whmilbank.co.nz
Sunday 10:00am to 2:00pm
Tuesday to Sunday
💻
📞
✉
💻
11.00am to 5.00pm
Or by arrangement
Whanganui Arts
@ the Centre
Whanganui
Regional Museum
Community Arts Centre
19 Taupō Quay
+6 345 1551
[email protected]
www.whanganuiarts.com
Watt Street, Whanganui
06 349 1110
[email protected]
www.wrm.org.nz
📞
✉
📞
✉
💻
💻
Monday to Friday
10.00am to 4.00pm
Saturday
9.00am to 1.00pm
Check for additional Saturday hours
Set in the heart of the cultural centre of Whanganui on Queens
Park, the Whanganui Regional Museum offers visitors a rare
experience – a journey into the hearts and minds of the people
of Whanganui, and a look at their treasures, their loves and
interests, their everyday lives and their dramas, their history and
their future.
Whanganui Regional Museum has a small contemporary gallery
of Whanganui art for sale as well as the treasured Lindauer
Collection on exhibition. Gottfried Lindauer came to
New Zealand in 1873 and began to paint portraits of notable
Māori people whenever he could. His success and reputation
grew quickly. Of 20 Māori portraits commissioned by
noted New Zealand politician and naturalist, Sir Walter Buller, 12
came to the Whanganui Regional Museum in the 1920’s and
more have been added over the years. To view these paintings in
person is the only way to see their true magnificence.
Whanganui
Regional
Museum
Watt Street
+6 349 1110
[email protected]
www.wrm.org.nz
📞
✉
💻
Monday to Sunday
10:00am to 4:30pm
16WhanganuiNZ.com
Galleries & Studios17
3
Whanganui City Map
Whanganui CBD
James MacGregor
Memorial Park
& Arboretum
ui
an
ng
ha
W
RA
PA
OAD
N UI R
16
15
4
er
Riv
14
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12
11
10
Queens Park /
Pukenamu
27
28
Moutoa Gardens /
Pākaitore
4
30
7
6
29
3
1a
Cooks Gardens
1b
4
5
32
33 31
24
23
22
2
8
9
26
25
Durie Hill
Elevator
Carpark
3
Whanganui 4
CBD
(see inset)
W
ha
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an
ui
Ri
ve
r
W
ha
34
ng
an
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20
Ri v
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17
Galleries & Studios
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Sarjeant on the Quay
Tree Studio
Whanganui Arts @ the Centre
Leftbank Art Supplies
Art & Framing
Edith Gallery, UCOL
Chronicle Glass Gallery
& Studio
Space Studio & Gallery
Cooks Gallery
WHMilbank Gallery &
Philip Trusttum Showroom
Whanganui Regional Museum
Public Art
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Sue Cooke Gallery & Studio
Gallery on Guyton
Louise Herdman Mosaic Studio
Rayner Brothers Gallery
McNamara Gallery Photography
Red Bach Gallery
Sand Hill Studio Gallery
The Glass Factory NZ
Ivan Vostinar Gallery
18WhanganuiNZ.com
20. Encounter by Mark Southcombe
and Judd Bailey
21. Hear my train a comin’
by Brit Bunkley
22. Kereru by Paul Dibble
23. Bearing by David McCracken
24. Moorings by Peter Nicholls
25. Balancing Act by Daniel Clifford
26. From the Mountain to the Sea by
Mike Durel Browne,
Kerry McDonnell and Max Cody
27. Protection in Adversity by
Joan Morrell
3
28. Handspan Peace Sculpture by
Ross Mitchell-Anyon
29. Peter Snell by Chris Elliott and
Ross Wilson
30. John Ballance Statue by
Chris Elliott
31. Peter Pan by Cecil Thomas
32. Tainui by Joan Morrell
33. Leapfrog by Hamish Horsley
34. Dune Fence by Jo Auld
35. River Dolphins by
Mark Southcombe
Whanganui City Map19
Public Art
Whanganui’s public spaces provide a
unique and dynamic realm for the
expressions of our culture, identity
and rich history. The public art in
Whanganui allows our visitors and
community alike to absorb and
engage with these expressions of our
city and history.
͸͸ On State Highway Three
͸͸ On Taupō Quay
Encounter
Hear my train a comin’
by Mark Southcombe and Judd Bailey
by Brit Bunkley
This fantastic sculpture at the southern entrance to
Whanganui represents the meeting, and meeting place of two
peoples and cultures. The figure on the right represents the
tangata whenua, Pūtiki Māori, and features the ‘Takarangi
spiral’ in perforated metal. The figure on the left represents the
manuhiri (visitors) and shows the city grid introduced by
European settlers.
Britt was a senior lecturer at Whanganui UCOL, and this
artwork was commissioned for the Whanganui River
waterfront following its selection as winner of the 2011
Sculpture Whanganui competition. Made from titan board and
pavers with a steel frame the work is approximately 4 metres
high. Judges liked its reference to local history referencing
Whanganui as the former centre of the railroad workshops and
the potential rejuvenation of an old form of transport.
A true depiction of Whanganui, the plinth is black sanded
concrete containing shell from local beaches and also
represents a greeting to all visitors to Whanganui.
Left:
Encounter
by Mark Southcombe andJudd Bailey
Right:
Hear my train a comin’
by Brit Bunkley
20WhanganuiNZ.com
Public Art21
͸͸ On Moutoa Quay
Left:
Kereru by Paul Dibble
Above:
Bearing by David McCracken
Opposite left:
Moorings by Peter Nicholls
Opposite right
Balancing Act by Daniel Clifford
͸͸ On Moutoa Quay
Kereru
by Paul Dibble
Paul Dibble's Kereru was a finalist in the 2010 Sculpture
Wanganui competition and received the Powerco Wanganui
Trust People's Choice Award. The sculpture is made of
bronze now sited close to the i-SITE alongside the banks of
the Whanganui River. Birds have a huge significance as the
predecessors of the ancient land and on the banks of the
Whanganui, which flows into large areas of lowland forest,
the use of birds as part of the motif provides an obvious point
of connection.
Moorings
by Peter Nicholls
Situated near the P.S. Waimarie mooring, this work was gifted
by artist Peter Nicholls, formerly of Whanganui. It is made
of hardwood ironbark and steel with each bollard representing
one of the nine tributaries which flow in and out of the
Whanganui River and are mounted on a brick circle.
The tributaries include Whakapapa, Kakahi, Ongarue, Ohura,
Retaruke, Tangarakau, Mangapurua, Manganui o Te Ao and
Ahuahu. Placement of each bollard represents the angle at
which the tributary approaches the Whanganui River and each
bollard is weighted to represent the size of the tributary.
Peter Nicholls has a sculpture called Whanganui 1990, which
also references the Whanganui River, in the Sarjeant Gallery’s
permanent collection. It is made with logs gathered from
the river and sea, with objects from Māori and colonial history
embedded in it. Peter first exhibited at the Sarjeant Gallery
in 1975.
͸͸ On Moutoa Quay
͸͸ On Somme Parade
Bearing
Balancing Act
by David McCracken
by Daniel Clifford
Crafted from stainless steel, this iconic sculpture is a large
polished sphere with a fissure representing the Whanganui
River cutting through it. The deep fissure follows the
winding route of the river from the mountains to the sea.
Made up of three giant Staedtler HB pencils Balancing Act
draws the eye as you continue down Somme Parade. Daniel
Clifford is another artist that grew up in Whanganui and
was educated at UCOL here. The simple and bold qualities of
his aluminium and reinforced steel work excited judges at
the inaugural Sculpture Competition. Clifford was delighted
and made the statement ‘Wanganui again delivers the message
that this is a vibrant and cultural city.’
An anonymous donor provided the funds to make the
sculpture creating a remarkable gift to the city.
22WhanganuiNZ.com
Public Art23
Opposite left:
From the Mountain to the Sea by
Mike Durel Browne, Kerry McDonnell
and Max Cody
Opposite right
Protection in Adversity by Joan Morrell
Above:
Handspan Peace Sculpture
by Ross Mitchell-Anyon
Right:
Peter Snell by Chris Elliot and Ross Wilson
͸͸ On Somme Parade
͸͸ At Queen’s Park, City Centre
From the Mountain to the Sea
Handspan Peace Sculpture
by Mike Durel Browne,
Kerry McDonnell and Max Cody
by Ross Mitchell-Anyon
Generously donated by Mr Jim Gordon in recognition of the
work of the Whanganui Māori Wardens, From the Mountain to
the Sea is located on the banks of the Whanganui River. The
sculpture represents the awa (river), the source of the awa, the
significance of water borne travel and the many generations of
people that lived on or near the Whanganui River.
Made from andesite stone, totara wood and stainless steel, the
work is approximately 4 metres high and 2 metres wide. The
similarly named Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail passes the
sculpture on the way to the North Mole at the Tasman Sea.
͸͸ At Moutoa Gardens, Pākaitore
Protection in Adversity
by Joan Morrell
First made in concrete in 1972 the original sculpture was
destroyed in 1995 during the occupation of the site by local
Māori. Gifted by Joan Morrell, it was recommissioned in 2003
and the new rendition has been cast in bronze. An artist of
international repute and born in Wanganui, Joan Morrell is one
of New Zealand’s foremost bronze sculptors. Joan has a private
gallery in Wanganui showcasing approximately 60 works.
24WhanganuiNZ.com
Completed with the help of many different community
members this work took two years to prepare and build. The
walls are covered with more than 2000 clay hand casts, made
mostly from hands of all ages from the Whanganui community,
promoting ‘a culture of peace and non-violence for children
of the world’. A winning design in a competition organised by
Operation Peace Through Unity.
͸͸ At Cooks Gardens, St Hill Street, City Centre
Peter Snell
by Chris Elliott and Ross Wilson
The statute of Sir Peter Snell commemorates his athletic
achievements and is sited at Cooks Gardens where he broke
the world record for running a mile (3 min 54.4 seconds).
Based on a photo of Snell crossing the finish line the statue is
similar to one erected in his hometown of Opunake in
Taranaki and gazes over the site of his triump. The detail and
accuracy of the work has always amazed visitors.
Public Art25
͸͸ On the corner of St Hill Street and Guyton Street, City Centre
John Ballance Statue
by Chris Elliott
Replacing the original statue damaged beyond repair in the
1995 occupation of Moutoa Gardens / Pākaitore, this work now
rests next to the Wanganui District Council buildings. A
prominent leader in early Wanganui, John Balance established
the Evening Herald newspaper in the 1860’s after emigrating
from Ireland. Active in many community organisations and
local politics he was the Member of Parliament for the district
in the 1880’s and went on to take over the position of Premier
in 1891 as the leader of the Liberals.
͸͸ At Virginia Lake / Rotokawau
Peter Pan
by Cecil Thomas
Frank and Eleanor Burnet, Wanganui residents, were inspired
by an earlier copy of the statue in Dunedin’s Botanic Gardens,
commissioned the artist to reproduce the statue we see today.
Designed to be child friendly, ‘Peter’ stands on a bronze beech
tree stump incorporating ‘The Lost Boys’ at the base and
uniquely New Zealand creatures not shown on the Dunedin
version – snails, penguins, a limpet, a fantail, a morepork, skink
and tuatara.
Above:
John Ballance by Chris Elliott
Below left:
Peter Pan by Cecil Thomas
Below right:
Leapfrog by Hamish Horsley
͸͸ At Virginia Lake / Rotokawau
Leapfrog
by Hamish Horsley
Another prominent sculptor born and raised in Whanganui,
Hamish Horsley’s most well-known project is the Tibetan Peace
Garden in London. In 1985, Eleanor Burgess, (the same local
benefactor who with her late first husband, Frank Burnett
donated ‘Peter Pan’), donated the funds to create and install
Leapfrog.
26WhanganuiNZ.com
Public Art27
͸͸ At Virginia Lake / Rotokawau
͸͸ At Castlecliff Domain
Tainui
Dune Fence
by Joan Morrell
by Jo Auld
Another beautiful piece from Joan Morrell, commissioned in
the memory of Maxwell James Grant Smart, a local historian
and honorary director of the Whanganui Regional Museum.
A passionate cataloguer of Māori history, customs and
mythology, the legend of Tainui and Turere was chosen as the
subject of the work in accordance with his wish that the legend
be depicted at Virginia Lake / Rotokawau.
Constructed from macrocarpa sleepers the fence features floral
patterned small glass circles. Designed with children in mind,
the inset glass catches the sun and is low to the ground while
the fence is hardy with no sharp edges. In the words of the
artist it is a work ‘that echoes the sounds of the domain, the
dunes, the grasses, the flowers and the sand.’
The warrior Turere lived along the Tangarakau River and had
the special ability to communicate with birds. Teaching this
skill to Tainui the couple fell in love although Tainui was to wed
another. Communicating through the birds was safe until
another warrior, Ranginui, became jealous and killed Turere.
The gods were angered causing a great storm, killing Ranginui
and the tears of Tainui mingled with the storm’s waters to form
Rotokawau (Virginia Lake).
Above:
Tainui by Joan Morrell
Top right:
Dune Fence by Jo Auld
Bottom right:
River Dolphins by Mark Southcombe
28WhanganuiNZ.com
͸͸ On State Highway 3
River Dolphins
by Mark Southcombe
Inspired by the historic wharf piles that remain standing at
places in the Whanganui River, these piles were known as ‘river
dolphins’. The three poles, blue lighted at night, reflect the
Whanganui River hapū of Tama Upoko, Hinengākau and
Tupoho, located in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the
river. Signalling the entrance to the city at night the work
guides the traveller home and marks the point of departure
when leaving.
These are not the only art works available for the public to see
around our city. There are many more so as you travel around,
look for the paintings, monuments, murals, mosaics and
fountains to truly appreciate the historic and contemporary art
community Whanganui embraces today.
Public Art29
Studios open by
appointment
Greg Hall
Bricksticks
109 Peat Street
+6 345 3218
18A Georgetti Rd
+6 343 1605
📞
AP Studios
The following studios are open by
appointment year round and we suggest
you give them a call first.
📞
💻 www.bricksticks.co.nz
Jack Michalski
196 Somme Parade, Aramoho
+6 343 8265
📞
Subtext Studio
5 Forres Street
+6 345 4351
📞
Mike Bates
32 Stewart Street, Aramoho
+21 189 7395
📞
Stratford Studios
11 Pūtiki Drive, Braeburn Flats
+27 444 5255
📞
Jane McCall & Kelly Stephens
Jenny Brown Textile Artist
Pauline Allomes
34 College Street
+27 308 2495
6A Nikau Street
+21 0223 8837
💻 www.freewebs.com/
richpalette/
📞
Catherine MacDonald
77C Campbell Street
+6 345 5505
W: catherinemacdonald.co.nz
📞
Art of Sasvaria
📞
73 Puriri Street
+6 344 3785
Daniella Sasvari-Artist
📞
Ross Mitchell-Anyon
71 Bedford Ave, Gonville
+6 348 0542
📞
SoleGlass
6 Smithfield Rd
(Cnr Carlton Ave)
+21 1766 478
💻 www.soleglass.co.nz
📞

Robyn Webb Gallery
21 Poutini Street, Wanganui
East
+6 343 8067
📞
485 Kaikokopu Rd
+21 063 3012
📞
Hollybush Haven
Carmen Simmonds Glass
Studio
9 Boydfield Street
+6 343 2772
💻 www.raewynegreen.vc.net.nz
1427 Brunswick Rd
+6 342 1003
📞
📞
💻 www.carmensimmonds.com
Octarock Studio
135 Anzac Parade, Wanganui
East
+27 774 40185
💻 www.octarockstudio.co.nz
📞
51 Grey Street
+6 348 8223
📞
Craig Winton Jewellery
John Singleton
5 Peakes Rd, Street Johns Hill
+6 345 3803
📞
30WhanganuiNZ.com
11 Iris Place
+21 145 1440
💻 www.craigwinton.com
📞
Studios open by appointment31