Each month a member of our community is invited to browse our online collection and select six of their favourite artworks. Each ‘My Choice’ selection, together with personal responses to the works, will be available to view on the Sarjeant Gallery website for one month at a time. The October 2020 My Choice has been selected by Helen Craig, and is available to view until 31 October 2020.
Helen is a Trustee of the Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust, publisher of the Awa Event Guide since 2011, and has been involved with various Whanganui Festivals and events: initiator of the RWC REAL Whanganui Festival 2011, Trustee then Event Manager of Whanganui Artists Open Studios, and Event Manager of Whanganui Festival of Glass in 2013. With a background in art, having completed a BFA majoring in Sculpture in 2009, Helen now heads up the Arts, Visitor Marketing and Central City Portfolios in her current role as Whanganui District Councillor. She states “With October being Whanganui Heritage Month, I was drawn to the images that evoked nostalgia. I’m not Whanganui born and bred, but Whanganui’s architecture and art have captured my full attention. My selection of artworks captures some buildings that are no longer here, yet we still have the highest concentration of heritage buildings in New Zealand. Imagine Whanganui even 20 years ago and what we have lost – let’s hope more can be saved for the future generations to enjoy.”
My Choice October 2020: Helen Craig, Whanganui District Councillor.
Click on an image to see further details about the work and artist, and view a large version.
Flats, Wanganui, (Corner Victoria Ave & Liverpool St) – Richard Wotton
“This is a quirky fragment of a building that looks only half built. The needs of the day to fit a site and for practicality, and then probably losing its neighbours, has left this an orphan – unfortunately it’s gone now too.”
Wooden Building, St. Hill Street, Wanganui – Laurence Aberhart
“This is such a strange building – was it originally built like this or changed over time with passing needs, use or safety concerns? Its now a Council carpark.”
Exterior, Old Wanganui County Council Building, Rutland Street, Wanganui – Laurence Aberhart
“This little cutie is still standing and now re-loved. What really captures my interest is the stunning contrast between building and sky. An architectural fragment in space. You can just feel the summer heat!”
Del Mar Flats, Wanganui – Richard Wotton
“I pass these flats regularly on my walks and I really like them – unpretentious, they still retain a simple charm. An early form of inner city living, they retain their original art deco origins. I love that they’re still really functional and are re-loved today.”
No.s 17 and 19 Bell St., Wanganui – Ans Westra
“I chose this image because the houses are just like two peas in a pod, but also because the landscape is no longer recognisable. I arrived in Whanganui just before they were replaced with two new townhouses and the sections flattened.”
Photograph of Andrew Drummond's "Coming and Going" Dome Installation, Sarjeant Gallery – Laurence Aberhart
“The dome of the Sarjeant provides one of the most stunning opportunities for art display and inspiration and this image just exemplifies that so well. It’s Yummy! I’d visit just for exhibitions in the Dome!”
