While most of us have to sit tight for another couple of weeks to see the brand new collection galleries at Christchurch Art Gallery, Mayor Bob Parker has been enjoying a sneak preview ahead of the official launch.

Last week, the Mayor and Mayoress Joanna-Nicholls-Parker were treated to a tour of the collection galleries by Senior Curator Justin Paton, in the final countdown to the completion of Brought to Light: A New View of the Collection.

The 40-minute tour included a walk through the new reshaped galleries and full commentary on how the space is to be used and where each of the works will be displayed.

This is the first refreshment of the spaces since the gallery opened almost seven years ago and Mr Parker says an incredible job has been done of revitalising the spaces to create a more versatile gallery floor.

“Staff at Christchurch Art Gallery have been working flat out over the past four months to bring Brought to Light together. From the curators to the painters and plasterers, there is a real sense of energy from all those involved in the project,’’ he says.

“The first thing that strikes you as you move from room to room is the sense of space, complemented by the grand ceiling heights. This exhibition is going to provide much brighter open spaces that will characterise the works of art on display.

“So much goes on behind the scenes of an art gallery, but it’s usually only the final exhibition that the public gets to see. The online blog for Brought to Light and the LCD screens outside the galleries have allowed the public to view what has been happening behind the closed doors and watch this incredible transformation unfold.”

To celebrate the launch of Brought to Light on Saturday 28 November, Christchurch Art Gallery will be holding a number of events over the opening weekend. These include an introduction by Gallery Director Jenny Harper, a tour of the exhibition with the curatorial team and a look at paintings and objects relating to the expatriate experience by art historian Julie King.

Other special guests include Fiona Pardington, Robin White, Jonathan Mane-Wheoki and Mary Kisler. Families can also take part in an activity trail on the way around the exhibition.

“I have no doubt that this exhibition is going to be extraordinary and a real testament to all those involved in making it happen,” says Mr Parker.

Brought to Light: A New View of the Collection opens to the public at 10am on Saturday 28 November. Admission free. To find out more, visit http://http://www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz

ENDS

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