The gallery features a range of work, from acrylic paintings depicting landscapes, figures and more conceptual imagery, to sculpted kowhai flowers and planter pots.
There is also locally-made jewellery and creams.
The gallery is named after Johnson, whose Maori name is Te Whetu, meaning the stars.
“I always wondered why I got to be called Te Whetu,” said Johnson, who has a master’s degree in indigenous studies.
“There’s something ethereal about the stars, something special.”
Johnson’s own dynamic work is dotted about the gallery and ranges from a striking portrait of Hinemoana, goddess of the sea, with its vibrant colours and soft curved lines, to a thick, textured oil work titled Lillies.
“I love painting figures, especially the Maori goddesses,” she said.
“Our mana wahine, they’re not so much powerful women as women who are strong in what they do.”
Other exhibitors are Fiona Bryant, Kereopa Wharehinga, Jury Harrison, William Burgess, Makahuai Thatcher and Sarah McKinley.
Johnson says the gallery has been well received by both tourists and the community. It also seems to have started a chain of creativity up the coast.
“A couple from Ruatoria just popped in and said they might be starting a gallery up there,” Johnson said. “And the Tolaga Bay Inn has offered space on their walls to show.”
Then there is artist Makahuai Thatcher.
As a way of getting her own artwork seen, Thatcher recently approached Gisborne health clinic The Doctors Te Whare Hapara to see if they would display her work.
After a successful trial, Thatcher is keen to find other Tolaga Bay artists who would like to show in the medical practice.
For those interested in exhibiting closer to home, Johnson said Te Whetu Art Gallery is accepting submissions from local artists.
