A small selection of the artworks on display. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED
Erin Kavanagh-Hall
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Nowadays, you won’t see many sentences handed down at the old Featherston Courthouse.
But you will find plenty of evidence of homegrown talent – eye-catching, virtuosic artworks from a “wonderful assortment” of Wairarapa artists and craftspeople
Featherston’s latest attraction is the Old Courthouse Art Gallery – housed, as the name would suggest, in the historic Featherston Courthouse building on Fitzherbert Street.
The gallery was the brainchild of Featherston-based couple Therese Quinlivan and John Dennison – spurred into action after seeing their fellow Wairarapa artists struggling to display their work, thanks to covid-related cancellations.
After securing permission to use the courthouse from South Wairarapa District Council, Quinlivan reached out to the creative community by social media.
Artists, mostly from South Wairarapa, responded in their droves: potters, multi-media sculptors, goldsmiths, linoleum artists, and felters, to name a mere few.
The Old Courthouse Gallery, which shares the space with the Featherston Information Centre, had an informal opening on November 22 – and, since then, art work has been steadily making its way to new homes, just in time for Christmas.
Quinlivan said she is “extremely excited” to showcase South Wairarapa artisans – and is hopeful the gallery will be yet another incentive for visitors to stop in Featherston.
“There are so many creative people in Featherston, so an art gallery lends itself perfectly to the community,” Quinlivan said.
“Featherston has had so much growth and development – and the gallery could really help give the town another boost.
“We’re thrilled with how it’s all worked out. I’ve always wanted my own gallery – I was telling my mum all about it on the phone, and she said, ‘yes, you’ve been talking about doing this for a while’.”
Setting up the gallery has been a “whirlwind” for Quinlivan and Dennison – she a textile artist and needle felter, and he a leadlight and stained-glass artist.
Over the past couple of months, Quinlivan noticed artist friends express frustration that exhibitions and markets had been called off due to covid, leaving them with fewer opportunities to sell their work.
She made inquiries into a possible gallery space – and a friend contacted her and suggested using the Featherston Information Centre, based in the old courthouse.
“She said the Information Centre was often closed, because they couldn’t get enough volunteers,” Quinlivan said.
“I went and had a tour of the building – and it was amazing!
“It’s got all this history – the clerk’s and magistrate’s desks are still there in the same place. And it’s got those big sash windows that let in all the natural light.”
In late October, Quinlivan pitched her idea to South Wairarapa Mayor Alex Beijen, who encouraged her to make a proposal to the council.
Within two weeks, she met council amenities manager Bryce Neems – who “thought the idea was brilliant” and arranged a six-month trial lease of the courthouse building.
Quinlivan and Dennison spread the word by Facebook and, within days, 11 artists had agreed to exhibit – and more are waiting in the wings.
“I emailed Mayor Beijen on October 22, and we had our soft opening a month later,” Quinlivan said.
“Everything just fell into place.”
The exhibition, curated by Dennison, features a wide variety of work, including ceramics by Howie Griffin, photography by Pete Monk, encaustic paintings [using hot wax] by Nikki Stewart, and “some gorgeous woodturning” by John McKenzie.
Other showpieces include resin paintings, linocut prints, paper clay sculptures, jewellery, and large scale felt figurines – by one of Quinlivan’s needle felting students.
Quinlivan is also exhibiting her own needle felted landscape images and steampunk-themed mixed media works.
She and Dennison are keen to hear from both emerging and established artists – and would love to exhibit work by Maori creators.
She said setting up the gallery has formed a close bond among the exhibiting artists, who plan to hold regular gatherings.
“It’s created a lovely community. It can be a bit of a lonely life as an artist – especially if you’re working full-time from your own studio.
“A lot of artists are hermits, and it’s nice to have that quiet space. But you do need some company from time to time!”
The gallery will hold an official opening on Friday, December 10, at 7pm.
The Old Courthouse Art Gallery, 70 Fitzherbert Street, Featherston, is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
