Open 7 Days
from 10 til 4
artel
gallery
store
THE STORY
In the beginning - There was Artel
It began with a whisper—news of an empty retail space at the Lindale Centre in Paraparaumu on the Kāpiti Coast.
Four local artists - Rhonda Thompson, Val Bartley, Jill Hemming, and Ruth Blair - saw possibility in its bare walls. They took the plunge and in 2009 Artel Gallery was born … a small space with a shared creative vision.
As the co-operative flourished, new artists joined the fold; glass artist Suzie Mills and fibre artist Angie Cairncross brought fresh energy and new perspectives. In 2010, Maude Heath (now the gallery’s owner) became part of the collective, lending her creativity and support wherever it was needed.
Initially, Artel’s purpose was to display and showcase local art. However, fortune would have it that an adjoining room became available. So, Artel expanded and chose to utilise this space as a working studio—one that artists could set up in and use during shop hours. This gave Artel the edge it needed. If a customer came in and admired a piece being made, the artist could talk to them directly, making the experience more personal.
This is a shop window display from the Lindale Era
This is another shot of what past Artel was like
- back in the day,
Featured in this photograph is a peek at the diverse range of art that Artel has always been known for!
Behold - Arise Artel Gallery & Store
Over time, those involved in the collective began to drop away,
and if Artel was to remain sustainable it needed to become a retail
model under the stewardship of one person. Maude took on
that role - creating the vibrant artistically diverse space it is today:
Artel Gallery & Store.
Originally, the artists’ works had included oil and acrylic paintings,
fibre art, and glass art. However, as the creative space transitioned
into a viable retail space the collection expanded to include pounamu,
photography and prints, wood carvings, books, jewellery and
that Kiwi Icon, the Buzzy Bee.
This was Artel in our Otaki era
Since Artel’s inception, Maude with the help of the current Gallery Manager Robin, have continued the legacy of representing and showcasing local and New Zealand made art. They continue to represent a diverse selection of local artists and makers from around the country, with currently around 90 creatives on the books.
So, if you’re in the neighbourhood, look for the brightly coloured facade by well-known local artist Sue Lund - there’s even a matching sheep on the roof. Open seven days, from about 10 am til 4pm most days. Artel welcomes locals, visitors, and art lovers alike. And if you happen to miss them, you’ll be greeted by their poetically framed sign: ‘Shut Happens’ on the door.
This telling of our story was written by Maree from Spread The Word,
using information provided by a combination of Artel alumni and current staff.
Today's Artel store is situated in Mahara Place, Waikanae.
More info on other parts of Artel such as the team and the store, can be found by clicking on the corresponding buttons.