Artists’ collective effort on display

Not long after their official gallery opening, the six Wānaka artists of Artē Collective in Luggate have put their hands to work, producing a body of art for their very first group exhibition, Collective Circles.

Opening today at Artē Collective, the exhibition is a bold, summery showcase of 20mm round artworks spanning painting, ceramics and sculpture.

What began as a simple idea proved more demanding for much of the collective than expected, one of the members Briar Hardy-Hesson said.

"Albeit a small surface, there is still a large amount of work involved due to tighter composition and necessity of detail."

With the gallery fully operational and the artists taking turns on duty, much of the art has been created on-site.

"Sharing our creative process with visitors has been a rewarding experience, offering an intimate glimpse into how each artwork comes to life. Some artworks sold in the gallery before the paint was dry, long before they even made it to opening night," sculpture artist Andi Regan said.

The show highlights the breadth of the collective’s creativity: Lizzie Carruthers honours the birds that did not make the Bird of the Year podium while Andi Regan explores playful interpretations of the collective nouns for birds.

Landscapes feature too with Jenny Chisholm’s soft, luminous skies and hills and Sophie Melville’s glimpses of our most beloved mountains.

Figurative forms flourish with Hardy-Hesson’s frolicking lake woman and juicy fruit bowls alongside Sue Rutherford’s ceramic wreath and contemporary still lifes.

Visitors could look forward to a vibrant group exhibition where the gallery walls burst with colour and life, Hardy Hesson said.

"Each artist has created a mini solo show. Starting from the same wooden circle, we have all taken our own creative path — resulting in a diverse yet harmonious collection."

The exhibition runs through December and into January, with artworks sold directly off the wall.

The details

What: Collective Circles 
When: Opening Friday, December 5, 4pm-7pm 
Where: Artē Collective, The Green, 55 Main Rd, Luggate