Artists open up at Cooks Gallery

Members of the Wanganui Arts Society prepare for this year's Artists Open Studio Whanganui in their "working studio", Cooks Gallery. Photo/Bevan Conley

Many of the artists taking part in this year's Artists Open Studios Whanganui are exhibiting in hubs, but one group of artists has been exhibiting as a hub since the event began.

Cooks Gallery, in Trafalgar Place, is the home of the Wanganui Art Society, and it will be a busy place during Open Studios, to be held this weekend and next.

Gallery director Rob Davies said the gallery would be a "working studio" for the duration of Open Studios.

"All members have been invited to take part. Not everyone will be there, but there will be lots of artists coming and going throughout the two weekends."

As well as artists working in the gallery, about 60 artworks by members would be displayed on the walls in an exhibition called What's Cookin'?

While Cooks Gallery wasn't officially open during the weeks, Mr Davies said members of the public would be welcome to the gallery on Monday and Tuesday morning during the period of Open Studios, when several regular painting groups met.

Mr Davies said the Wanganui Art Society had taken part in Open Studios since the event began 17 years ago.

"It's a busy place during Open Studios, but then it is year round anyway," Mr Davies said.

He said the society had a busy schedule for 2014, which would include exhibitions, workshops, talks and painting groups throughout the year.

For more about the Wanganui Arts Society, visit www.wanganuiartsociety.co.nz For more about Artists Open Studios Whanganui, visit www.openstudios.co.nz