What constitutes the perfect present? Maybe something that is unique, enduring, and meaningful?
A work of art can satisfy all those criteria with the added bonus of being able to meet the creator of the work.
Why not start a tradition of gifting a small work of art every year to celebrate Christmas. A perfect gift for the start of a collection that will continue to delight and in time will create a string of memories of past Christmases. You are never too young, or too old, to start collecting so consider fostering an art collection for younger family members.
A famous pair of art collectors, Dorothy and Herb Vogel, an American couple who began very simply, and with a modest income built a wonderful collection for their small apartment. As art lovers, they did not buy for investment purposes, choosing only pieces they personally liked and could carry home on the subway or in a taxi. It was all eventually donated to the National Gallery of Art as an exemplary collection of art, while Dorothy and Herb delighted in having their collection ultimately belonging to the public.
Twelve experienced Railway Street Gallery artists have created a series of affordable pieces that will make perfect presents to surprise and delight their recipients. Do join us to view “Small Things” and meet the artists who created them. This could be the start of your own tradition of buying a small work of art every year to celebrate Christmas.
25 November – 21 December, 2022
Enjoy a festive celebration with the artists Sat 3rd Dec, 11am-3 pm
Jo Dalgety, Kathryn Carter, Maggie McGregor, Prue MacDougall, Lucy Barker, Tina Frantzen, Kyla Covic, Linda Gair, Ann Everard, Sonja Drake, Maree Brogden, Charlotte E. Johnson
Maggie McGregor Waitakere ‘sketchbook’ 1-6
In a world of threat and gloom a trip to the bush, the sea and the hills of the Waitakere ranges is a grounding in the life forces of our planet. Patches of blue, green and gold pile on each other and clamour for attention. Immersion is inevitable. Balance is restored.
Linda Gair - Buildings with Personality
I am currently doing a major renovation of my home. These discarded blocks of Oamaru stone were heading for the dump!! It was obvious to me, that each ‘stone’ was destined to be painted into buildings, and why not into something with a use in another building, such as a doorstop! These ‘Doorstop Buildings’ are of course, based on fond recollections from travel adventures, when staying in similar buildings in towns and villages across Europe.
Charlotte E. Johnson
Shallows series - Gentle ocean waves with lacey froth flow back and forth over the beach. Inspired by Auckland's west coast, this series uses sand from Muriwai and coloured epoxy resin as 'waves'. With limited control over the process, each piece is experimental and unique.
Storm Approaches triptych - Drawing on memories of the famously moody New Zealand Sounds, this set of three works shows a rare calm before an approaching storm. Watercolours were used to create tones, textures and effects. Subtle bronze highlights, best seen viewed in-person, offer hopeful contrast.
Jo Dalgety
“Gathering koroī is almost unimaginable to us today.” – Ngā Uruora, Geoff Park. A continuing discovery of the ecosystem that existed on the Hauraki Plains before it was drained for farmland. I have no answers, no statement, just more questions.
Footnote – if you would like to know of Herb and Dorothy’s story, there is a documentary movie about them. Here are some links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herb_and_Dorothy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnYcPLLiGFk
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/herb-dorothy-50x50-film-review-612144/