the new Quay Gallery...

The newly renovated building on Taupo Quay in Whanganui which now houses the information centre, also has a cafe and an upstairs gallery. Shown here are glass works by Leanne Williams and Jim Dennison and ceramic works by Ross Mitchell-Anyon (left) and Paul Maseyk. There was also a great video playing which gives visitors an overview of what they can see in the Whanganui area.

Pipiriki

We leave Whanganui in two days' time. No more walks along the river for a while...

goodbye Al

The end of an era. Al has sadly passed away and will be very much missed. He shared his love of music through performing and supporting other musicians to do the same. Eye of Night brought musicians from around the country and the world to Al's living room. Whanganui was a better place for it.

riverside walking from Putiki

celebrating 10 years of open studios whanganui

Tonight was the opening of the 'Made Here' sample show for Open Studios Whanganui, held in the Federal Gallery. As this is the tenth year this popular event has been happening, there is also a festival with workshops and performances.

the party show plays to a home crowd...

Nine fine Whanganui-based photographers are now showing at the Sarjeant Gallery: Camillia Afele, Mark Brimblecombe, Raewyn Cliffe, Rosalie Gwilliam, Spencer Hall, Rab G.P. Lewin, Leigh Mitchell-Anyon, J.K. Russ and Jes-ci Singh Nagra, In addition, the Whanganui School of Design Pivot magazine crew have produced the video work ‘House Party’ and Auckland guest artists D.A.N.C.E. Art Klub also contribute a video work.
Generously supported by Creative Communities:Wanganui District. The exhibition runs from 20 February to 11 April with a function open to all on Sunday 21 March 4.30-6pm, featuring the lovely local deejay Maddy.

karen hunter at ceramic lounge bar

I was lucky enough to see Karen Hunter perform at Ceramic in Whanganui as part of her albumn release tour for Words and Groove. She was supported by Christina Earl and Leah O'Driscoll. By the end of the night, the audience were spellbound and didn't want to leave.

blades and scribbles

Back in Whanganui - Butcher Blades and Flying Scribble, both from Melbourne, played at Stink Magnetic recently - great night.

more roses

Continuing my rose obsession, these photographs were taken in the beautiful little rose garden opposite Kowhai Park. These flowers reminded me of a fancy dress ball at the end of the night - everything is starting to disintegrate, which to me is more interesting than perfection.

Eye of Night gig

I saw a couple of bands recently at the awesome Eye of Night venue - above Boltmaster, and below Terror of the Deep.

student end-of-year shows

It's viewing time again with the end-of-year student shows at the Quay School of the Arts, Rutland St, Whanganui. The Year 3 fine arts show finishes 14 November and the Graduation show is on until 22 November. It's a great opportunity to obtain some very reasonably-priced work and give the students a boost at the same time.

riverside drive destination - Ohorere Gardens

Here's the final installment of the riverside drive. I went as far as Ohorere Gardens and took these photographs from the roadside at dusk.

riverside drive continued

Here are three views of the Whanganui River about 14km north of the centre of town.

riverside drive

The other evening I went for a drive north along the western bank of the Whanganui river. These images were taken in Aramaho. I will post three installments of the trip.

another cold wet night

Another cold wet night - heading out for a film at the Sarjeant Gallery.

one of my favourite buildings in Whanganui...