Reputation enhanced by new gallery

 

Kaipara’s reputation as a haven for the arts is enhanced by a new gallery that has opened in Paparoa village.

After months in the making, the White Rock Gallery officially opened in February.

The three-space exhibition area presents an interesting, varied and eclectic collection of creative work from Kaipara artists and craftworkers and is housed in the same building as the Paparoa Community Library.

“It shares the same amazing vintage Axminster carpet as the library and the quirky décor, and coupled with the professionally styled display it gives this space a character all its own,” says committee member and local artist, Helen Budd.

“The wide range of work for sale includes oil paintings, acrylics, water colours and textile art as well as sculpture and jewellery and is sure to appeal to visitors passing through as well as local people. The gallery will add another reason for people to stop over in Paparoa.”

Local residents Janice Booth and Stu Robertson initiated the project, and support soon flowed in from some 30 Kaipara-based artists who have all contributed to setting up the gallery on a shoestring.

Detailed decoration and lighting provide a professional area for display, and it’s the product of many hours of work and support from the Progressive Paparoa organisation, a newly formed Friends of the Gallery group, and individuals.

It now relies wholly on its membership for staffing and operation and these numbers have swelled to around 40 since opening. White Rock Gallery will be open seven days from 10am–4pm, and displays will be regularly refreshed with new work. New members are definitely welcome.

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QUIRKY: Kaipara artists and the local community are showing a lot of support for the new eclectic White Rock Gallery.