Christchurch’s Central Art Gallery is marking its fifth anniversary in the city centre with a group show of artists that have played a role in its history.
Central co-director Jonathan Smart said the show, called Celebrating 5 Years and opening on Saturday, would feature work from various artists including Bing Dawe, Neil Dawson, Hannah Kidd, Lonnie Hutchinson, Dick Frizzell, and Reuben Paterson.
“Surviving through five years with that mix of senior and younger artists is a delicate dance, and we’ve achieved it pretty well.”
Smart said it had been a challenge to keep the gallery alive through the last half decade.
Smart said it had been “wonderful to be a part of the revitalisation of the Arts Centre”.
The gallery has made another distinct contribution to the Arts Centre.
“I’m delighted that it’s there,’’ Smart said.
“I am not sure that we had a lot to do with it, except to say Neil has done a couple of wonderful solo shows for us… and his re-engagement with the Arts Centre personally and professionally got him thinking.
“I think we got the hierarchy at the Arts Centre thinking as well.”
