NEW ART GALLERY

Feed your mind

The chill of midwinter is the ideal time to renew your relationship with visual art by visiting a local gallery. A warm, dry, and calm oasis, a gallery sojourn offers an escape from everyday stresses, inspires and feeds our minds, and can boost our own productivity.

Christchurch’s newest art destination is located opposite Margaret Mahy playground at 210 Armagh Street, in the central city. Beautifully sited within the fully renovated MED building, The Art

Shop gallery was built by T&A Construction. Its mezzanine fl oor is a particular highlight of the generous scale of the gallery. With true artists’ eyes, owners John and Kate Morrison and

Antony Buckby have not only curated a stunning collection, but ensured visitors feel the joy of the gorgeous interior of the historic building. “It is a unique, contemporary art gallery for

Christchurch. We are a lot larger than the norm, with a huge amount of art to browse,” says Kate. The gallery shows contemporary art and sculpture, jewellery and glass. Originating from

The Christchurch Art Show, it features some of the artists who exhibit at that event. A wine and co ee bar will open this July. “It really is a special place to visit, enjoy, and discover something special,” says Kate. The current exhibition, chosen for the grand opening, is the “Art Signature Piece”. It features custom-made signature artworks from the gallery’s artists. “We invited our artists to create a signature artwork to celebrate the new space,” says Kate, “how each artist makes their mark is what ‘Signature Pieces’ is all about.” August will see Eketāhuna sculptor and painter, Mark Dimock, feature in the gallery. The website carries paintings currently available, as well as biographies of gallery artists. “We encourage people to sign up online for the newsletter. They’ll be kept up to date on upcoming exhibitions and special events,” says

Kate. However, as Christchurch’s most beautiful and welcoming treasure trove of contemporary art, you really must experience it for yourself.