The Friends of Toi MAHARA, the contemporary public art gallery in Waikanae organised a trip for their members to visit the recently reopened Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery in Whanganui this month.
The thirty-strong group of arts enthusiasts were motivated to see the new gallery and particularly the work of New Zealand modernist painter Edith Collier who studied under expatriate artist Frances Hodgkins.
“Toi MAHARA holds a large collection of Frances Hodgkins paintings and it was wonderful to see her protegee’s work,” says Jan Nimmo, Chair of the Friends of Toi MAHARA and organiser of the event.
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery reopened in November 2024, following a decade-long redevelopment. Visitor numbers have been really high including many visitors from the Kāpiti Coast.
“The building is eye-catching and the way the new building is seamlessly joined to the old by way of a beautifully carved waka is impressive,” said Nimmo.
The Friends enjoyed a welcome and floor talks before visiting the remaining exhibitions and then onto the Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics. The Museum was established by renowned potter Rick Rudd and displays his collection of over 700 works by New Zealand and international potters.
The Friends Committee are already planning their next trip based on the feedback they received from members.
“Four hours was not enough time! When can we visit again?” said Anne Webster, one of the participants.