MIREK SMÍŠEK
60 YEARS 60 POTS
12 February - 28 March

60 years, 60 Pots is a survey exhibition curated for the Mahara Gallery, Waikanae by Gary Freemantle.  The veteran potter Mirek Smíšek launched his independant ceramics career in Nelson in 1954.  Working with clay has been a life- long activity for Smíšek, starting from his childhood in Czechoslovakia, and continuing today in his studio near Waikanae. Smíšek’s pots are a combination of forms made to be handled, meals to be eaten off, and enjoyed for their aesthetic qualities inspired by nature.  He is acknowledged as a master of salt glazing, something he initiated in the 1950s in Nelson using a special kiln he designed and stoneware clays from Puramahoi and Wakapuaka. A handsome publication accompanies the exhibition.

 

JANICE GILL
Telling Stories of Ourselves
12 February - 28 March

Southland born and bred Janice Gill presents paintings of the Minnie Dean story, moments in the Hokonui Whisky saga and a striking set of paintings depicting the infamous Maungatapu (Nelson) murders of 1866. Besides these, Janice presents herself as a chronicler of life in New Zealand, starting in rural Southland and later, very people focussed stories in urban settings. These paintings look at issues affecting all of us with a sly wit and a compassionate eye.

ALL AT SEA
6 February - 28 March

All at Sea focuses on life at sea, its perils and rewards whether it be nineteenth century immigration by ship, boats used for local coastal travel, fishing or pleasure sailing.  It includes popular art works from The Suter’s Collection such as Sally Burton’s installation Wreck of the Delaware 1996 and her painting The First of New Zealand from the Last of England by Ford Madox Brown 1985.  It also features historical scenes such as James Nairn’s watercolour of the steamer Lady Barkly at The Old Wharf 1903 and lesser known works such as the nostalgic seaside Landscape by the Irish Romantic painter, Daniel O’Neill (1920 - 1974). 
Developed by curatorial intern, Cerys Dallaway.

AUTUMN EXHIBITION
Nelson Suter Art Society
1 - 25 April

The Nelson Suter Art Society Autumn Exhibition is a selection of recent art works by working members in a variety of media.  The Society is also pleased to announce three guest artists whose work will accompany this exhibition:  

Tony Cribb is a Christchurch based painter known for his quirky but dark humoured illustrative style.

Tim Wraight is well known in the region as a carver and sculptor working primarily in wood and presents new work in his distinctive and culturally diverse style.

Robin Slow is a painter based in Takaka whose work is inspired by Maori mythologies and narratives.  He has recently held successful solo exhibitions in Christchurch and Taranaki.