The Real Ōpōtiki returns home

With The Real Ōpōtiki exhibition now finished at Studio One Toi Tu in Auckland, artists and organisers have an opportunity to reflect on the successful show and thank the many people involved for their support.

The Real Ōpōtiki was a vibrant exhibition of work from artists who all have strong connections to the Opotiki district. Artwork from 30 well-known and emerging artists was on display in the two-story gallery on Ponsonby Road including traditional landscapes, sculpture and photography, jewellery, Maori Pihe Pihe and hand-woven kete.

Organisers and artists agree that the event was a great success - bringing Ōpōtiki art and artists to the Auckland scene. Opotiki District Council Planning and Regulatory Manager, Barbara Dempsey headed the organising committee that organised the event and the team of volunteers that made it possible.

“It has been an exciting couple of months for all of us involved. It started with a huge opening ceremony where more than 300 people packed into the exhibition space. We had great guests and heaps of energy and that flowed into the event.

“I have to admit that it was sad to say goodbye to our space in Studio One Toi Tu and the downtime has given us [the organising committee] a chance to reflect on what a positive experience it was.

“The feedback we have been getting from artists, particularly the emerging artists, was that it was incredible coverage we couldn’t have got any other way. It was a fantastic opportunity to be in a central location, surrounded by other great artists, all tied together by geography – by belonging to and being influenced by Ōpōtiki,” Ms Dempsey said.

The exhibition had a direct benefit for the artists, but was also a fundraiser for Te Tahuhu o te Rangi – Opotiki’s planned community hub and library. More than 20 pieces of artwork were sold generating almost $6,000 towards the building of Te Tāhuhu.

“The event generated funds and a lot of goodwill and profile up and down the country. Ōpōtiki really shone as the sort of place that has a community heart and an active and talented arts scene.

“There is a great team of people who worked really hard to pull this together from council, from the arts community and volunteers. We should be proud of a real community event and a huge thank you to all everyone involved,” Ms Dempsey said.

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