Exhibition space opens for talented glass artists

Matthew Doyle (front), Doyle and Associates principal, with Nigel Jones, School of Glass tutor, and the 2009 winning work by Steve Fassezke. Photo/Stuart Munro

A new gallery has popped up in Wanganui's expanding cultural quarter of Taupo Quay.

The work of Wanganui's glass students now has an extra display space in an accountancy firm's premises.

The gallery is a showpiece for the nearly decade-long relationship between Doyle and Associates and the Wanganui School of Glass.

Each year Doyle and Associates selects a winner for its Acquisition Award, a scholarship for students studying at the school, and all the pieces that have been acquired now have a special exhibition space at 32 Taupo Quay.

The scholarship winner is chosen each November by Matthew Doyle, the company's principal and a big supporter of the school. He is assisted in running the scholarship by School of Glass tutor Nigel Jones.

Previous winners of the cash prize are Richard Chan, Samantha Jones, Linda Satchwell, Samuel Swinburne, Steve Fassezke, Kelly Taylor-Ward, Keith Grinter and Joy Snell.

Mr Doyle said the award was certainly an achievement because there were always a number of submissions.

"We have purposefully created a space in our office that provides the opportunity to showcase their work and celebrate their success.

"We welcome people to come and view the art that has been created by the talented students of the Wanganui Glass School."

Mr Jones said about 30 to 40 pieces were submitted each year.

He said the collection space was a welcome new home for prize-winning work.

"It was on shelves and in cupboards before, so it's good to have the exhibition space."