“Geordie and Caroline’s commitment to the new lighting will enable us to have further exhibitions in this wonderful barn,” Gaddum said.
The barn was built by Geordie Witters’ grandfather in 1902 to store chaff for feeding draught horses. Apart from the addition of a deck, it remains relatively unchanged.
As someone who is passionate about the rural community, Geordie Witters said he was happy for the old barn to be used for such a worthwhile endeavour.
“I’m also enjoying meeting some of the artists who have been out here to have a look around,” he said.
Alexandra Boros selected a large floral piece, Tuahine Point, for the exhibition as “it contrasted beautifully with the barn space and fits perfectly with the timing of it being a spring exhibition”.
Originally from Ngātapa, Boros has sold work all around the world, but this will be her first exhibition at home.
“For my second work, I will exhibit a Pöttyök piece. These are my best-known works,” she said.
“I’ve had many inquiries over the years from collectors here, so it seems fitting to include one of my more classic pieces in this show.”
“It’s a real pleasure to be part of a collective group. As I have recently returned to live in Gisborne, it has been a great way to meet other creatives. I’m grateful for the opportunity. I love collaborating.
“Sally is so passionate about art.
“It’s nice to feed off her energy. She has a great eye and I can see that she is constantly standing back and assessing her strategy with this exhibition.
“She will make it a pleasure to attend for collectors and also wonderful to be involved with as an artist. She also makes beautiful work herself, so I hope she takes time to enjoy that side of the process, too.”
Karina McGregor is an intuitive painter who uses oil paint to capture the moments of calm she finds in the presence of trees.
“I use layers of paint to build textured surfaces that resonate with me, much like the experience of being under a tree canopy – the roughness of the bark, the essence of filtered light and the gentle movement of the leaves," McGregor said.
She and her family moved to Gisborne from Auckland four years ago. They wanted a “lifestyle change” and a break from “busy city life”.
“I enjoy the simpler pace of life here. After more than 20 years running our interiors business in Auckland, we were ready for a change.
“Gisborne offers a great lifestyle – close to nature, easy to get around and a wonderful place for our kids to thrive.
“I have a family of passionate surfers and they can enjoy the waves every day, while it’s also given me time to reconnect with my creativity.”
McGregor has chosen two works for the exhibition – The Roots We Share and In the Quiet Between Us. Both were inspired by Eastwoodhill Arboretum, about half an hour’s drive from central Gisborne.
“I’m a regular visitor and so lucky to have this inspiring environment close by.”
This will be her first opportunity to exhibit in Gisborne and connect with other local artists.
“Making art can be a solitary process, so having the chance to share my work and connect with these amazing female artists is truly special.”
All of the artists in Spectrum will be featured in a publicity campaign on social media in the coming weeks.
The exhibition will be open to the public daily from October 4 to October 11, and Gaddum will run the gallery each day.
