Walking into Arty Nelson gallery in Trafalgar Street, one is instantly bathed in a sea of colour, aliveness and creativity. Established eight years ago, it is a collaboration of nine local creatives who envisioned a gallery they could collectively manage. Each artist contributes time to work in the gallery, allowing them to showcase their work while still dedicating time to their home studios and individual artistic pursuits. The space brims with exquisite art at a range of prices, featuring pieces by both its members and eleven invited makers who share the gallery.
Members include Jackie MacDonald, who is well-known for her vibrant fused glass and metal wall and standing sculptures, dichroic jewellery and paintings of local scenes. Rahel Brodi-Sharrock’s sparkling paintings include colourful renditions of grapes, still life, landscapes and mailboxes. Lyndsay O’Hanlon’s art celebrates flowers and the magic of gardens, while Jill Alexander produces superb figure drawings.
Greta McComb uses oil and acrylic to paint moody works depicting the New Zealand landscape and bird life in a style that is both realist and fantasy. Lyn Broughton’s quirky, colourful paintings of birds, sea creatures and flowers in vases come in all shapes and sizes. Jackie Ewers’ wine barrel staves and art on wood, original paintings, and prints feature historic buildings and creatures of all kinds.
Lynette Cain’s cast glass in a range of colours consists of hanging pieces to grace a wall as well as sculptures, while Carol Hargadon adds rich abstract and semi-abstract paintings.
The works of the members are enriched by the guest artists and includes quirky ceramics, jewellery, metal, wood and stone sculpture pieces. The gallery also has the region’s largest selection of art cards and prints by Nelson artists, all of which adds up to providing a rich experience for visitors and very affordable art.
“We have such a diverse array of work so as to appeal to as many different tastes as possible and contribute an enriching local experience for everyone who visits,” explains Jackie. “Whether people are looking for an art piece for themselves or someone else, there are hundreds of items to choose from, including our latest calendar which is always popular and features a wide range of our work.”
Despite the wide variety of art and craft on display, the gallery remains spacious and well-lit, allowing every piece to be properly seen and appreciated. Arty Nelson operates in a building with a short-term lease and the dream of the artists involved is to one day secure a long-term space they can afford. “In the meantime, this is a fabulous place for which we are extremely grateful to be able to operate the gallery from,” says Jackie.
Arty Nelson Gallery
021 022 9099
126 Trafalgar St, Nelson
