Community Gardens art exhibition

23 February 2006

Community Gardens art exhibition

Photographer Stephen Trinder was so inspired by the concept of Christchurch's Community Gardens he spent seven months photographing the spaces and people to create his latest art exhibition.

Community Gardens, which opens at the Linwood Gallery on March 13, captures the unique atmosphere of these spaces which often go unnoticed in the community but where there is a wealth of knowledge and activity.

Photographed over seven months, Community Gardens captures the seasonal changes in activity, being an important record of the rhythm of life within the gardens. These are places created and maintained by local people, with an emphasis on sustainability and environmental awareness.

Stephen Trinder has previously exhibited solo shows at the Showcase and Space Galleries and his work has been included in up:date//The Active Eye Contemporary New Zealand Photography.

Christchurch has 14 Community Gardens, where the community can go and through hands-on learning make compost, pot-up plants, harvest fruit and vegetables and learn how to recycle materials to create a garden.

"Meeting neighbours, taking to people as they wander in to admire beds full of vegetables ready for harvest and learning how to stake and harvest broad beans are just a few of the valuable skills that the gardens provide their neighbourhoods," said Ross Paterson, Christchurch Community Gardens development worker.

Community Gardens will be at Linwood Gallery from 14 to 18 March; Civic Offices, Tuam Street, 20 to 26 March; Our City O-Tautahi 27 March to 8 April; and exhibited throughout Christchurch's library network.

ENDS

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