The genuine article

Jack Mitchell-Anyon has opened an art, craft and clothing store with Nicola Van Weersel and Katherine Claypole. Photo/ Stuart Munro

A new store is reviving an old space in the Whanganui CBD.

Article has opened in the old Chronicle building on the corner of Drews Ave and Rutland St, selling art, craft and vintage clothing and coffee.

The store is the collective creation of Jack Mitchell-Anyon, Nicola Van Weersel and Katherine Claypole.

"It's been an evolution, initially we were thinking more of a cafe thing. In the end it was everything together," Mr Mitchell-Anyon said.

The idea was for it to be accessible to both local artists and the public.

"I just like the idea of selling art in a different context. I sort of like the idea of a more casual approach."

Miss Van Weersel and Ms Claypole both have their own art and craft in the shop alongside other local artists including Hamish Webster, Neil Buddle, Eli Lamont and Mike Marsh.

Meanwhile, Mr Mitchell-Anyon has been collecting the clothing for "way too long".

"I'm probably more of a history person than a fashionista. Most of it is New Zealand made, probably most of it is Whanganui made."

Miss Van Weersel said the shop will develop and evolve over time.

"We're just really excited," she said.

"I think it's inspiring for people like us to know that we have somewhere to put what we are creating. It kind of keeps us going."

Ms Claypole said it would be an opportunity to try new things without the pressure of creating a complete exhibition.

"I'm sort of seeing it as a a place I can try to do different things, to be a bit experimental."

Until last year, Mr Mitchell-Anyon ran the music venue Space Monster in the building and said it was great to be back.

"I think it's really important to use these buildings and let people come into them and gaze at the pressed tin ceilings and whatever else," he said.

"It's important to keep them because it's really about communities appreciating them, and it's really easy to not appreciate things when you've never been in them and seen them. I think that's a part of why I wanted to do this as well."

¦Article is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 3pm.