Something Has Changed at The Bank!

My last visit to The Bank Art Gallery was to get a passport photo taken of my son a few years back. The display of art was okay, but appeared to be a hodgepodge of works by local and regional artists. Nice but not compelling viewing.

Something has changed at The Bank Art Gallery. Today, I discovered a smartly arranged array of artwork by veteran and emerging New Zealand artists. It was my pleasure to linger, contemplating the precise red and black linear geometric offerings of Lee Peterson, Brett Duncan's lovely traditional landscapes, the Jackson Pollock-esque paintings of Tony Tarasiewicz, the luscious native timber pieces by master turner Jim Robie, the ever-popular paintings of Janet DeWagt, as well as the abstract musings of Wayne Hill. There are simply too many artists to name them all.

I suppose the only things that may distract slightly is the Superframers, Photocopying, and Passport aspect of the business. It breaks up the visual flow of the downstairs gallery a bit. However, for artists and art lovers alike, it's worth the distraction to have a stylish, yet friendly setting in which to view art. Additionally, the non-gallery businesses bring in non-traditional traffic to discover the joy of art. A journey up the staircase leads to the latest special showing. Currently, The Bank Art Gallery Christmas Exhibition, featuring works from Maree Beker , Lois McMillan, Kate Morrison and Lianne Adams fills the upper venue. A review of that exhibition is featured in the next post.

The Bank Art Gallery Christmas Exhibition debuted 24 November 2008 and, I think, ends 24 January. A Poster in the Gallery lists the end as 15 January, but the feature article on NZLive says 23 January. If I understand, the very helpful Brydie Baxter, 24 January is the final day. For sure, the yuletide exhibition will be down on Monday, 26 January, for that is when Brydie Baxter's own art exhibition begins. Stay tuned for an upcoming review of Ms. Baxter's show.

As a working artist, I am really pleased to have this savvy venue available in the Deep South. I recommend a visit to see Lisa Justice Grace, the Gallery Administrator, and her team at The Bank Art Gallery, located at 21 The Crescent, or the southwest side of "Bank Corner" in Invercargill. Phone her at 3-218-6634 for hours and upcoming exhibitions.