Raving reviews for Aratoi's tour

STUNNING: Jo Beetham in front of her house, designed by architect Graham Fisher. PHOTO/ LYNDA FERINGA WTA260314LFJO02

The art and architecture tour organised by Aratoi last weekend proved to be a big success for all involved.

People came from Auckland, Wellington and Hawke's Bay for the tour and were treated to some of the most interesting art and architecture in Wairarapa.

The touring party was divided into two groups and visited six homes, four were contemporary style and two were old classics.

Chair of Friends of Aratoi Jo Beetham said one of the highlights was visiting an 1880s historic farm barn. Although a working barn until 10 years ago, it was designated derelict by the council and completely rebuilt within the original structure in 2010, utilising the existing materials.

Artwork along the tour included works from renowned artists Evelyn Page, Bill Hammond, Billy Apple, Andree de Latour, Paul Merser and Jacqueline Fraser.

Mrs Beetham said she enjoyed hearing the stories behind how people had decided on which pieces of art to place in their homes and how they interpreted each piece personally.

Mrs Beetham's own home was part of the tour. It was designed by architect Graham Fisher and built in 2006, the brief was for a bold house that is noticed from afar with a strong presence on the hills above Gladstone.

"The resulting form has a strong, monumental, quality," said Graham Fisher.

He said the house was designed around the Beethams' art collection.

"It was designed specifically to accommodate the large collage work by Jacqueline Fraser."

Mrs Beetham said the reviews were all very positive - Aratoi received 15 emails from people on the touring party commending the organisation of the tour.