For Tauranga Artist Bryce Brown, the opening of his new studio and separate display area is a dream released, years sooner that he'd envisaged.
Bryce's wife Catherine runs The Dance House Performing Arts Centre, which moved into new purpose fitted studios last January, also in Oak Lane, Judea. With the commute between Tauranga and their Mount Maunganui home being just that little bit too far to come home for breaks, or for dinner with the Bryce and the kids before teaching evenings, the couple decided it was high time for a change and began the search for somewhere new to live, closer to the performing arts centre. Literally within days of looking, another building came up for lease in Oak Lane, a three bedroom apartment upstairs with inner city courtyard and studio space downstairs for Bryce. "I've been happily painting in sheds and converted garages for the last ten years, so I'm pretty overwhelmed by the change and feel very privileged that this has come about so soon. It's an amazing space and a great opportunity to give emerging artists a place to show their work." says Bryce.
The Art Space is available for hire to established artists. Bryce also welcomes inquiries from as yet undiscovered talent out there who would like a chance to show their work with his support, and also plans to host exhibitions where he can encourage established artists to exhibit with and endorse the work of the new artists, something that doesn't really happen that often. It is an intimate area, though big enough for solo or groups showings of up to fourteen or so works. Bryce has retained a slightly 'industrial' feel with off-white walls and sealed concrete floors. The space has a professional hanging system and Bryce has concentrated on good ambient lighting throughout which is as close to natural daylight as possible.
The Art Space in Oak Lane, Judea will officially open Friday September 26th. Guest artists will include Graham Crow, Peter Cramond, Dave Roy, Lisa Christiansen, Finela Moore, Monika Welch and John Staniford from Napier. Phone Bryce if you interested in attending the preview 577 1613 or email inquiries@theartspace.co.nz
The opening exhibition for The Art Space continues till Sunday October 5th.
TheArt Space is a smaller more intimate space which is 9 x 6 M, off white walls, polished concrete floors, has an Artitec picture hanging system, could display 15-20 paintings and sculpture, good natural light as well as a good lighting system. TheArt Space is conveniantly located in Oak Lane, Judea with good access and ample parking.
TheArt Space will officially open in late September 2008 so please book mark this page (command + D) and will be available for hire.