This exhibition has many beautiful examples of Smíšek’s work they are wonderfully executed! There is something about these vases and pots that really appeal to me, I haven’t decided if it is the glazes that he has used or the mere size of some of these works.
Just a note that might be of interest to some of you; Smíšek’s was the artist who made the ceramic works for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy!
Anyhow, I think this is a great little exhibition to come and see; it’s on until 1 April, 2012.
Yesterday the 12th of February 2012 was the centenary of Henry Sarjeant’s death. His will provided for the establishment and maintenance of a Fine Art Gallery for the people of the Borough of Wanganui.
” It is my desire that works of art shall be purchased or acquired on account of their intrinsic value as work of high art only and not because they are specimens of local or colonial art so that the said gallery shall be furnished with works of the highest art in all branches as a means of inspiration for ourselves and those who come after us.”
We celebrated Henry’s generosity with tea and cake with the public of Wanganui and our national/international visitors. It was a beautiful sunny and warm day to remember how lucky we are to have this glorious building and the magnificent art collection that it holds!
Thought I would let you know that we have a good selection of artworks from our permanent collection online! Just follow the link to find them or just search for us on facebook.
Fancy Fools Flight by the Crystal Chain Gang is a beautiful and fun exhibition by artists Leanne Williams and Jim Dennison. They are glass artists that work collaboratively to create stunning works. There is an amazing chandelier that lights up an exhibition bay; on close inspection you realise that it is made of glass bird parts -wings, feet and tails. In another bay the birds have taken flight, they are spread over the walls like a cloud of pigeons flying through the sky. Looking closely you you find that some of these birds do not have their normal heads, instead a little dollies head has replaced the original.
This exhibition is a great example to explore the medium of cast glass; how the colours of glass mix together in a work and the skill that is needed to create these wonderous little creatures.
Well the week has been brightened up by the many beautiful vintage cars that have been driving around Wanganui! It doesn’t seem to matter where you look a pristine sparkling model is close by.
Luckily one little car managed to come through the gallery doors and is parked in the dome! It really is a great example.
This gallery contains 1 photo.
Have you been to see the beautiful exhibition we currently have on? The Imaginative Life and Times of Graham Percy is a wonderful collection of his works. People of any age will find something there they like and children can see … Continue reading
It’s the season for making stars!
You could also try the smaller stars, they are simpler but it took me a little while longer to get them looking right. The type of paper you use definitely makes a difference! Try magazine pages or cartridge paper, they can be as big as you like, but the wider the strip of paper you choose the longer the strip needs to be!
Good Luck!
This exhibition featured artwork produced by students from sixteen Wanganui schools. Schools were invited to participate and each class visited the gallery for a practical workshop with the Sarjeant Gallery education officers. Looking at the theme of In the Garden, each of the workshops involved the students viewing works depicting the garden and/or bugs from the gallery’s collection. The examples included printmaking, drawing, painting and photography. Using these works as inspiration the children then produced their own garden themed art work.
The schools that particpated were: Brunswick school, Wanganui Intermediate, Rutherford Junior High, St Anne’s, St Marcellin, Faith Academy, Keith St School, Wanganui Girls’ College, Fordell School, Kia Iwi School, St Mary’s School, Mosston School, Castlecliff School, Aranui School, Churton School, St Johns School.
Each class explored the theme using different mediums such as screen prints, sculpture, printmaking, painting, tissue collage, photography, silhouettes, and crayon and dye.
Gardens have a constant presence in our lives whether they are our gardens at home, those we walk past or the parks we visit.
We hope you enjoy this bright and colourful collection of children’s art.
Andrea Gardner and Sietske Jansma
Education Officers
Have a go at making a little paper bird, they look pretty cool. All you need is paper, scissors, stapler and glue – and the instructions. They look great displayed on a wall with lots of other paper bird friends!
