Gallery Networking

When I first met Mauricio in 2008 we sat down and talked about what he wanted out of his art, what were his dreams and aspirations. He wanted to have an exhibition of his artwork and he also told me that back in Brazil he worked with local school kids creating murals, and he wanted to do something like that here in New Zealand.

After he exhibited his work at the gallery with his solo exhibiton De uma praia a outra - From one beach to another I was approached by Donna Brooke from Safer Papakura Trust. She was looking for an artist to work with youth.....and I thought of Mauricio!

Now Mauricio is fulfilling his dream. His latest project with the Safer Papakura Trust was working with Chloe Keyzer and her class at Rosehill Intermediate. They created a mural at the local Rosehill shops. You can see a video of the artwork that he facilitated at his blog

So never stop thinking about your dreams and aspirations!

If you’re an artist and you want to develop your work, have an exhibition or just talk about what you want out of art, give me a call at the gallery and let’s get your dreams on paper.

You never know where they may lead.....

Emma Hintz
Gallery Manager

We are seeking a gallery assistant

The Papakura Art Gallery is seeking a gallery assistant 25 hours per week. For more infomation contact the gallery via email gallery@papakuraarts.co.nz.

Upcoming Events: Seeing and Sensation

Brian Gartside is holding a series of FREE illustrated talks at the Papakura Art Gallery on Wednesday 9 and 16 June 6-7pm. The talks will focus on developing thoughts on inspiration, originality and design in art and craft making.
Brian is often invited to speak nationally and internationally.

"We Need A Few More Brian Gartsides" by Howard Williams

“We need a few more Brian Gartsides – there aren’t enough – to kick us around and bounce off each other.” 1986 review by the late Roy Cowan.

Brian Gartside is a highly successful domestic ware potter – and an innovative ceramic artist.

Utilising expert technical knowledge of clay, glazes and firing necessary for his table pottery production, he also uses it to successfully express his artistic creativity. A close symbiosis between “art” and “craft”. Art make his colourful domestic ware unique; his craft skills ensure his passion for colour, form and texture is expressed in a satisfyingly permanent way. He makes plates and bowls and calls his more expressive art pieces “Objects of Sensation”.

After a High School art education, Gartside came to New Zealand in 1961, returning to London in 1966 as an art lecturer. Back here in 1970 he lectured in art at Ardmore Teachers College, moving to North Shore Teachers College in 1974. He opened his own studio in rural Pukekohe where he now lives and works.

Constantly exploring new ideas, including abstract computerised prints, he has generated an international reputation with his ceramics, holding exhibitions in many countries, leading to representation in dozens of international collections, both private and public.

Gartside is not only a notable ceramist; he works his passion for teaching, passing on his skills and creative energy to a vast audience. His list of international Teaching Workshops for ceramics is an astounding 35: North Wales, Ireland, three in Canada, 15 in USA,15 throughout Australia – plus over 100 in New Zealand.

Gartside has been a resident artist for several months each in Canada, Hungary and Northern Arizona and has been a guest speaker at ceramic conferences in New Zealand, England, USA, Wales, Finland and New Mexico.

He introduced the new technique of “paper clay” to this country and continues developing glazes and textures for the benefit of all clay artists. His “space” is well worth watching.

- Howard Williams

Papakura Arts Story: Brian Gartside Fusion Form Function

Brian Gartside’s first full exhibition in more than ten years will mark the re-opening of Papakura Art Gallery from 4 June 2010.

The Gartside exhibition, titled Fusion Form Function, will feature his more innovative works alongside his well known domestic ware.

Many visitors will be aware of Gartside’s domestic works through his regular participation in the gallery’s popular end of year Small Packages exhibition.

Brian Gartside is also holding a series of free illustrated talks at the Papakura Art Gallery and artists and visitors are encouraged to attend on Wednesday 9 and 16 June 6-8pm.

Welcome To Our New Blog!

With the rennovations complete, we have started a new blog to keep you up to date with the latest exhibitions and events at the gallery, starting with Brian Gartside's retrospective exhibition Fusion Form Function, running from June 4 to July 4, 2010.