Wednesday 28 January 2009

Press Release – Launch of Hastings City Art Gallery

The Hastings City Art Gallery shall be launching itself onto the national circuit of regional art galleries with an art exhibition: Mind Games, Surrealism in Aoteara, New Zealand on the 5th February 2009. With over 45 prominent artists exhibiting work, this debut is promising to be a huge hit.

Exhibitors include early artists such as Adele Younghusband and Edward Bulmore as well as Mary McIntyre, Sylvia Siddell, Barry Cleavin, Don Driver and Brent Wong. Some of the high profile artists include Seraphine Pick, Michael Parakowhai, Liz Maw and Richard Killeen.

Formally known as the Hawke’s Bay Exhibition Centre, the gallery now functions as a public art space under the governance of the Hastings District Council and managed by new Director Maree Mills.

Ms Mills originates from an educational and digital arts background and is enthused about introducing a fresh direction for art in Hastings. “It is liberating to come into a fabulous gallery like this and be able to excite the local public and extend cultural experiences on a regional and national level,” she stated.

“Our gallery has formed strong connections with the community and extends itself towards national and international horizons, contributing to the dialogue of contemporary art."

Situated in the Hastings Civic Centre adjoining the library the gallery enjoys strengthening the local professional arts community and being a connection for people, place and identity.

Upcoming exhibitions include:

6 February – 5 April 09: Mind Games, Surrealism in Aoteraroa New Zealand
1 February – 1 March09: National Photography Awards
20 February – 26 April 09: Engineering Paper – Pop up books
6 March – 5 April 09: Horse and Country – J Langdale – guest curator
17 April – 31 May 09: Hawke’s Bay Invitational – Creative Hawke’s Bay Invitational
8 May – 28 June 09: Herakles, Marian Maguire: The Labours of Herakles
12 June – 9 August 09: John Bevan Ford – He Aho Tangata: The Human Threads

The Hastings City Art Gallery is open 7 days, 10am – 4.30pm. Entry is free.

ENDS

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