Museum - Eastern Southland Gallery in Gore, Southland

Ingrid Culliford will present a Flute Recital at the Eastern Southland Gallery on Sunday 31 January at 6pm. Ingrid has long and esteemed career in England and New Zealand as a solo and concerto performer, recording artist and teacher of flute. The programme will be made up of a variety of classical and modern compositions that respond to Sue Cooke’s current exhibition LONG HEE LEE A SONGLESS LAND. Culliford aims to put the Song back into the 'songless land' starting with Debussy's ‘Syrinx’, followed by NZ composer Anthony Ritchie's ‘Tui’. Other pieces will include a soundscape by Japanese composer Fukushima, Jean Rivier’s ‘Oiseaux Tendres’ and Bach’s ‘Sarabande’. Admission is by donation. All welcome.

On January 31st at 6pm Ingrid Culliford will be giving a flute recital, with the aim of putting the song back into ‘A Songless Land’. Over a year ago, when Ingrid Culliford saw Sue Cooke’s LONG HEE LEE mural, the centrepiece of her exhibition ‘A Songless Land’, she immediately felt inspired by the idea of a solo flute recital to take place in front of this extraordinary and evocative work. The Eastern Southland Gallery are proud to be presenting this one-off concert by Ingrid Culliford in conjunction with Sue Cooke’s current exhibition ‘Long Hee Lee A Songless Land’. The recital will be a selection of classical and contemporary pieces. Admission is by donation.

Just opened at the Gallery is a new exhibition from Whanganui-based artist Sue Cooke. LONG HEE LEE - A SONGLESS LAND is an exhibition created especially for the 180 degree curved wall in the Eastern Southland Gallery. The exhibition focuses on the Chinese Gold Miners of the late 1800’s and the loss of New Zealand’s indigenous forests. The imagery references destruction, healing and the beauty of New Zealand’s indigenous forests. Join us for an Artist Talk on Saturday 5 December at 5.30pm where Sue will discuss the making of LONG HEE LEE A SONGLESS LAND.

The Gallery is running some Children’s Printmaking Workshops on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December from 3.30pm 5pm with Whanganui artist Sue Cooke. Sue is a printmaker with 35 years’ experience, who regularly exhibits both nationally and internationally. Sue aims to make these workshops an enriching and enjoyable experience for kids. The workshops are free and have been kindly supported by the Creative Communities Scheme. Please note there are limited spaces available. For further information and to register phone the Gallery on 03 208 9907 or email us at [email protected]

Original 'Church' woodcuts by Jacqui Byars - $80 each (unframed). If you couldn’t make it to the East Gore Art Centre Open Day, or came and missed out purchasing one of the very first artworks to be printed at the new Centre - don’t worry, Jacqui Byars has produced a variable edition of this print for us. She has also produced another view of the church in two colourways. These signed and editioned woodcuts are $80 each (unframed), and all proceeds go to the East Gore Art Centre project. Email the Gallery at [email protected] if you would like to purchase one. Each woodcut measures 215mm x 150mm (unframed).

If you haven't had a chance yet get along to see Dunedin artist Jim Cooper's exhibition, ‘The Cellophane Circus Visits the Royal Suite’, then now is the time. Jim Cooper is perhaps best known for his colourful and figurative ceramic works. Continually pushing boundaries and taking clay it its absolute limits, Cooper has developed a fresh and dynamic approach to his chosen medium. Playful and whimsical in appearance, they often take the shape of figures, animals or plants, are always colourfully glazed and grouped to form unique sculptural installations. More recently he has been introducing new materials into his work, including papier maché, recycled fabric and other found materials. This exhibition brings together a selection of work made over the past 3-4 years and runs until 27 November.

Just a reminder about the ‘Say it with Flowers’ spoken word travelling show tonight at the Gallery at 8pm. The official Poet Laureate of Aotearoa, David Eggleton, is presenting his own comic and wry and award-winning variations on Kiwiana, in a poetry and song cabaret, together with stand-up storyteller and former Bard of Christchurch, Steve Thomas. These veterans of the performance poetry scene in New Zealand are accompanied by master musician Richard Wallis. ‘Say it with Fl...owers’ is a title inspired by international graffiti artist Banksy’s famous image the ‘Flower Thrower’, a wall painting of a protestor in mask, throwing not a Molotov cocktail but a colourful bouquet of flowers. The flowers themselves represent our common hopes for the peaceful resolution to the global conflicts and issues of our time. On this tour, the performers will throw words, sometimes barbed, and often beautiful, or beautifully barbed, with a similar aim of emphasising our common humanity. General admission $15 / Gallery Members & Students $10. Door sales available.

Hopetoun Brown are currently touring NZ and will be in Gore on Saturday 17 October. These New Zealand Music Hall of Fame inductees adore rare and antique acoustic instruments such the vibraphone and the bass clarinet, while embracing the bombastic power of the tuba, the tenor saxophone, trombones and multiple trumpets. They’ve teamed up with Finn Scholes, arguably one of the finest improvisers currently playing trumpet in New Zealand to form a unique and musically diverse act that can be at once tender and soulful while at times, anarchic and heavy. Playing songs from their three highly regarded studio albums the boys are also releasing their first ever concert recording: Hopetoun Brown Live at WOMAD. General admission $25 / Gallery Members $20 / Students $10. Book: Gore Visitor Centre, 7 Norfolk Street, Gore, phone 03 203 9288.

Great news! We have now re-opened our two front galleries with an exciting new exhibition by artist Jim Cooper. Both spaces are filled with Jim’s quirky and colourful creations all made over the past 2-3 years in his studio at Port Chalmers. This is one you will not want to miss and the photos only tells part of the story. The John Money Wing currently remains closed for a refresh of the displays, walls and lighting system. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

A poet laureate, a storyteller and a musician ‘Say it with Flowers’ on a tour across Aotearoa this November, brought to you by Arts on Tour New Zealand. In this travelling poetry and song cabaret show, David Eggleton, the official Poet Laureate of Aotearoa, presents his own wry, comic take on Kiwiana, alongside stand-up storyteller and former Bard of Christchurch, Steve Thomas. These two veterans of the performance poetry scene in New Zealand are accompanied by Dunedin-based master musician and classical guitarist Richard Wallis. They will be performing at the Eastern Southland Gallery on Friday 6 November at 8pm. General admission $15 / Gallery Members & Students $10. Book: Gore Visitor Centre, 7 Norfolk Street, Gore, phone 03 203 9288. #gorenz #easternsouthlandgallery #southland #artsontournz #davideggleton #stevethomas

The Muka Youth Print Exhibition last Saturday was a great success attracting a large crowd of children to see the exhibition and choose their very own print. This year’s exhibition was held at the East Gore Art Centre which gave children, parents and grandparents an opportunity to see the 7 ton French Voirin lithographic Press the prints had been made on. We were delighted to host Frans and Magda from Muka Studio for a few days prior to the exhibition which gave them a chance to reacquaint themselves with the press and discuss some of the finer intricacies of its operation with Gallery staff and committee members.

The annual Muka Youth Print Exhibition returns to Gore on Saturday 17 October from 10am 6pm. Arguably New Zealand’s longest on-going art event, the exhibition provides a unique opportunity for young people (aged 5-18 inclusive) to purchase original lithographic prints in an environment where adults are not allowed. All unframed prints are $80 and the artists' names are covered during the show. This encourages children to choose work based on their appreciation of the work rather than the artist’s reputation or potential for financial gain. Entry to the exhibition is free, any young person is welcome and there is no pressure to buy. This year it will be held at the East Gore Art Centre, 6 Rock Street, Gore. ONE DAY ONLY. No Adults Allowed!

HOPETOUN BROWN will be performing in Gore at the Eastern Southland Gallery on Saturday 17 October at 8pm. HOPETOUN BROWN light up the night, their antique wind instruments shrieking wildly, evoking the spirit of New Orleans funeral processions or futuristic funk jams. This is Supergroove’s horn section. Expect electric pianos, vibraphones and a van load of horns playing deep down bass lines and jumping sax licks like you’ve never heard! General $25 / Members $20 / Students $10. Book: Gore Visitor Centre phone 03 203 9288.

Don’t miss the amazing group, From Scratch, in concert at the St Andrews Church Hall tonight at 8pm (Sunday 13 September). From Scratch takes you on a magical sonic journey with original DIY instruments, creating rhythms and sounds and an unforgettable Pacifica message for eyes and ears of all ages. Featuring their stunning historic work ‘Pacific 3, 2, 1, Zero’, their sound and songs are a conch call to the fallout of nuclear testing and climate change on low-lying Pacific islands. Part sculpture, part music, part ritual, rhythmic and instrument invention lie at the heart of From Scratch and have earned the group an international reputation for visually captivating and sonically mesmerizing performances. $30 General Admission; $25 Gallery Members; $15 Students. Please note level 2 social distancing requirements will be observed.

A foot stomping fantastic night was had by all who attended the Hopetoun Brown concert at the Gallery on Saturday night. A number travelled from Dunedin, Invercargill and Bluff to hear them perform and they weren’t disappointed. Excellent musicians who had the audience totally captivated and enthralled!

Don’t miss the OPEN DAY at the EAST GORE ART CENTRE this afternoon from 1-4pm at 6 Rock Street, Gore. This is a chance to see for yourself the work that has been completed to date and hear about the future plans for the facility. There will be tours, printmaking demonstrations, art for sale, a raffle and afternoon tea for a gold coin donation in the Artist’s Flat. Free admission all welcome.#eastgoreartcentre #easternsouthlandgallery #gorenz

A great night was had by one and all at last night’s FUNDRAISING P[ART]Y & AUCTION EVENING. Around 80 art lovers and supporters turned out for what was a highly enjoyable evening, with beautiful food, great entertainment from Steve Thomas and Auctioneer Brendan Terry, and some spirited bidding. Top bids of the night were for Marilynn Webb’s beautiful pastel and print and for Nigel Brown’s stunning lithograph. Around $20,000 was raised all of which will go towards completing the two studios at the Art Centre. Our sincere thanks to everyone who donated, helped and supported this event.

A few more works - by Marilynn Webb and Nigel Brown - which will be up for auction at the Gallery's FUNDRAISING PARTY & AUCTION EVENING this Friday evening. There are still a few tickets available at $45 which includes refreshments and canapes by Jude Taylor. If you are unable to make it along but are keen on some of the work up for grabs then we will accept absentee bids up until 5pm on Friday. To get your tickets or place an absentee bid simply email the Gallery at [email protected] or phone or call into the Gore Visitor Centre on 03 203 9288. There will also be a special guest performance from the Bard of Christchurch, Steve Thomas. Please note that this event is now being held at the Maruawai Centre (former Salvation Army building) just across the road from the Gallery which will allow more space for social distancing under level 2. To view all of the work up for auction visit the Events page on the Gallery’s website at www.esgallery.co.nz

Just a reminder that the legendary FROM SCRATCH will be performing in concert at St Andrews Church Hall, Cnr Ardwick and Devon Sreets, Gore on Sunday 13 September, 8pm. From Scratch presents an upbeat, home-grown rhythmic music style featuring the iconic PVC pipe percussion and other invented instruments visually and sonically resonant of Aotearoa, the islands and shores of the South Pacific. Part sculpture, part music, part ritual, rhythmic and instrument invention lie at ...the heart of From Scratch and have earned the group an international reputation for visually captivating and sonically mesmerizing performances. Their most memorable performances have been described as among the greatest in any art form to come out of this country - Wystan Curnow. With a forty year-plus history, recently celebrated with an expansive art gallery survey exhibition, this NZ group is not to be missed! $30 General Admission; $25 Gallery Members; $15 Students. Book: Gore Visitor Centre phone 03 203 9288 or email us at [email protected] to secure your tickets. Please note that plans are in place for appropriate social distancing as required at Level 2.

One week to go until the Gallery’s FUNDRAISING PARTY & AUCTION EVENING. If you haven’t got your tickets yet then now is the time to get them. There is an amazing selection of art up for grabs including work by Marilynn Webb, Fane Flaws, Jo Ogier, Robert Ellis, Denys Watkins and Carole Shepheard. These are now on display for viewing at the Gore Visitor Centre and on the Gallery’s website at www.esgallery.co.nz There are also wine, coffee and book packages on offer. All refreshments including canapes by local gastronomic artist Jude Taylor are included in the ticket price of $45. To secure your tickets contact the Gallery at email [email protected] or phone the Gore Visitor Centre on 03 203 9288. Please note that plans are in place for level 2 requirements.

Only two weeks until the Gallery’s FUNDRAISING PARTY & AUCTION EVENING. We have a fantastic line-up of art for auction including works by Robert Ellis, Jenny Dolezel, John Reynolds, Carole Shepheard, Jo Ogier, Rodney Fumpston and Julia Morison. Many of the works can be viewed on the Events page of the Gallery’s website at www.esgallery.co.nz More still to come so watch this space! Please note that plans are in place for appropriate social distancing and single service refreshments as required at Level 2. To secure your tickets ($45 - includes refreshments) contact us at [email protected]

If you are interested in seeing the progress that has been made on the EAST GORE ART CENTRE project then now is your chance. The Gallery is holding an OPEN DAY on Saturday 12th September at 6 Rock Street, Gore from 1 4pm. As well as regular tours of the Art Centre by Jim Geddes there will be printmaking demonstrations, ‘Old Hokonui’ lithographs by Dick Frizzell for sale, raffle of a Gift Basket, art work for sale and afternoon tea in the artists flat. Come along and see the completed artist flat, nearly finished studios and hear about the future plans for the facility. Admission is free.

Internationally renowned and legendary Kiwi group, FROM SCRATCH will be performing in Gore at St Andrews Church Hall on Sunday 13 September 8pm. The inventive, highly rhythmic percussion group From Scratch is like no other. Difficult to pigeon-hole, the group has its own characteristic Pacific-region sound, performed on a unique array of original, DIY invented instruments. From Scratch guide their audience through a magical journey, part sculpture, part music, part ritual. Their most memorable performances have been described as among the greatest in any art form to come out of this country." This is one you won't want to miss! $30 General Admission; $25 Gallery Members; $15 Students. Book at the Gore Visitor Centre or email us at [email protected]

We have a new date for the Gallery's Fundraising Party & Auction Evening - Friday 11 September - which had to be postponed due to covid19. The evening is shaping up to be a great night with an auction of art, wine and exclusive packages, and special guest speaker. The proceeds from this event will go towards the East Gore Art Centre and the completion of the printmaking and painting studios. Tickets are strictly limited and all refreshments and finger food are included in the ticket price of $45. To secure your tickets email us at [email protected] or give Marcella a call on 027 682 7136.

There are plans afoot to resurrect the East Gore Art Centre Cocktail Evening Fundraiser and Open Day which had to be postponed back in March due to Covid 19. In the meantime, with the generous support of prominent artist Dick Frizzell, and Frans Baetens and Magda van Gils at Muka Studio, we have been donated some original ‘Old Hokonui’ lithographs for our fundraising efforts. Signed by the artist, these are now available for $200 each (plus $20 post & packaging), in a choice of black or white frames (framed size 360mm x 280mm). If you are interested in purchasing one please contact us at [email protected]