New look shed boasts artistic hoard

An assorted range of artists present their works at the recently rebranded Cargo Shed. Make sure to have a look next time you are in town on a weekend or a day a cruise ship is in port, because this is the place to find original, mainly locally created, treasures.

Ken Wright has been the instigator behind the new look. His own creative space, Lightwave, is beautifully set-up. His passion lies in landscape photography and seascapes in particular. Most of his images are taken around the coast, with special projects around Kaikoura and now Mount Maunganui.

Artists Michael Sass and Patrick Gibbons display their skilfully painted landscapes. Michael creates extra-large pastel paintings in landscape realism, while Patrick's show his passion for panoramic scenes on canvas with acrylics.

There are two jewellery designers at The Cargo Shed. Deb Bowden presents her handmade jewellery here and Maree Cooper from Em-Cey Designs brings another range of items, ideal if you are looking for something original.

You'll also still find favourites at The Cargo Shed, such as Scott Godwin's timber treasures, Isla King's creative crochet, the Elegance fibre artists and Barbara Wilson's textile art.

Ashley Grant is a sculptor, carver and jewellery maker, and his work with stone is inspired by ancient times and cultural history. For eye-catching pieces for your outdoor area, you can't get past Steve Allen's handcrafted metallic plants.

You will find Brenda Butler here, who captures the beauty of Tauranga with her photography, put on to vinyl photo boards and mobiles. Her work also includes cards, magnets and clocks.

For a touch of traditional New Zealand inspired art, see Mel Calwell's Flax Appeal and art@altitude.

With the arrival of Puti Hauraki, Tauranga has gained a remarkable Maori artist. Puti has recently set up a gallery space at The Cargo Shed, Te Papa Toi, after her popular gallery at the Christchurch Arts Centre was lost in the earthquakes.

Besides her weavings, Puti also sculpts with flax.

Another new addition to The Cargo Shed is 'The Up Market', which houses both the Cambodia Charitable Trust and Eva's Attic. It sells vintage clothing, with the added bonus that all profits from sales of the Cambodia Charitable Trust go back into Cambodia, and Eva's Attic supports local charities.

The Cargo Shed is open to the public Saturdays, Sundays, and on cruise ship days.