The Newsletter

issue 6 – WINTER / TAKURUA 2014 Matariki Aratoi’s Matariki celebration programme features limited edition prints and original drawings by Bronwyn Waipuka-Callander. Bronwyn writes: Matariki is considered a primordial part of Māori culture, a significant time for Tangata Whenua to come together to reflect on the past and future. It symbolises rebirth, growth and togetherness, elements which are fundamental to our existence and connects us to Whenua ... our mother, Papatūānuku… Traditional Māori culture aligns women with Papatūānuku. Women are regarded as the bearer for the Iwi and its preservation, therefore to be protected and guarded with respect. Mana Whenua; Taku Kai, Taku Oranga can be seen as a celebration, as well as a tribute, to their roles as mothers, nurturers, life bearers and protectors of succeeding generations. ‘Kaitiaki o ngā Mana Whenua’

Bronwyn Waipuka-Callander Mana Whenua – Taku Kai, Taku Oranga 18 May-6 July 2014

Bronwyn Waipuka-Callander portrait 1, at her opening ‘Mana Whenua: Taku Kai-Taku Oranga,’ 18 May, with kids craft workshop. Photo: Anne Taylor Papatūānuku 1, 2014, limited edition digital print.

In this issue ΟΟART Board News 2 ΟΟToi Wairarapa 5 ΟΟComing Soon – Little Jewels 7 ΟΟFrom the Director 2 ΟΟAratoi Retail 5 ΟΟNews From the Friends 7 ΟΟSpotlight on the Collection 3 ΟΟThe Friends of Aratoi 6 ΟΟFriends Committee 8 ΟΟExhibition Update 4 ΟΟArt and Architecture Tour 6 ΟΟExhibitions Calendar 8 The Newsletter

From the Director ART Board News Kia ora and nau mai haere mai, welcome to Aratoi! Haere Rā We have had many exciting highlights over the past couple of The Aratoi Regional Trust board is very months. Aratoi hosted Yarns in Barns in late May with the extraordinary sorry to farewell Stephanie Turner, whose Mr Graham Brazier of Hello Sailor celebrating the life of band-mate contribution to the work of the Board Dave McCartney and the launch of Dave's sensational posthumous over many years has been immense. memoir Gutter Black; a heart-wrenching acoustic performance with She has been the iwi representative on moving readings on a particularly blustery evening. Aratoi since 2001 when she moved from ‘Miharo’ is how Mike Kawana described our opening Wellington to the Wairarapa to take on the role of Manager of King Street Art works. She came to weekend for Kiri Riwai-Couch and Bronwyn Waipuka-Callander’s Aratoi because "Koro Jim Rimene and the Board of Rangitāne ‘Mana Whenua-Taku Kai, Taku Oranga.’ The opening weekend Iwi asked me to be the iwi rep on Aratoi. I have stayed on for was amazing and it has been a privilege to host Bronwyn, Kiri so long only because they have asked me to remain in this and their whanau. This Matariki celebrates Papatūānuku and role for them. The last ten years has seen Iwi undertake both Mana Wahine as Aratoi has never done before, highlighting the the day to day work of an Iwi Runanga and the enormous task connections between people, land, culture and environment, as of managing, coordinating and researching their own Treaty we negotiate a sustainable future and create pathways for the claim. So keeping this seat warm and providing leadership young. Bronwyn completed her installation with work done with on their behalf has been about making sure they had one less kids at her workshop, and Kiri’s guest performers tore the roof thing to worry about. My role on the Board was to provide off with waiata! Kiri’s brother ended up stealing the whole show. advice and leadership on behalf of both Rangitāne o Wairarapa Dressed in a 1940s airforce uniform complete with pilot cap and and Ngāti Kahungunu Ki Wairarapa." Stephanie has worked in both the arts and health sectors. blue suitcase he surprised his girlfriend (also in 1940s dress) with a While working at the Wellington Art Centre learning traditional marriage proposal , then rushed into my office to tell her parents. weaving she got involved with the first Māori theatre troupe in For the first time Aratoi has been successful in a major Creative New Aotearoa, Te Ohu Whakaari and attended New Zealand Drama Zealand Arts Award grant in support of the forthcoming exhibition school in the mid 80s. "I have been privileged to work with a : Chromatic Investigations which I am curating. wide range of Māori artists, writers and filmmakers over the Iconic New Zealand architect Ian and his wife Claire Athfield years and have strong Māori arts networks." She is passionate have generously offered a unique Hopkinson hand-crafted grand about Māori & Pacific Arts development, and believes creativity piano to the collection (photos below). Originally commissioned and the arts support the health and wellbeing of communities. by the Williams family before they emigrated from the UK Currently Stephanie works in the health sector as the Director probably in the 1880s, the piano was kept at their Wairarapa Māori Health & Disability for Mid Central District Health Board. residence. Newly married Claire and Ian purchased the piano in She was the Director Māori Health for Wairarapa DHB for a number of years but has just recently left to take up this newly Masterton around 1967. The mahogany piano is one of the largest established role based in Palmerston North. grand pianos in New Zealand and has been the centrepiece at In all her roles, Stephanie believes that an "understanding many parties and functions as well as appearing in a well-known of whakapapa in its broadest sense is important. The concept advertisement in the early 80s. This magnificent colonial object of relatedness or the belief that all elements of life are would fetch a fair sum in London. Aratoi hopes to be able to interconnected is fundamental to have the piano on view before too long. We are immensely wellbeing, and both personal and grateful to Claire and for this important gift. In other collective accountabilities with people exciting news, Māori Television visited to film Lindauer’s portrait and the environment. The stories of our of Ngatuere Tāwhirimātea Tāwhao in the collection store for an tipuna also taught me that knowledge episode of ‘Behind the Brush’ before interviewing descendant comes in many shapes and forms, from Paora Ammunson at Papawai marae. story to pictures, to people, to songs." Haere rā Stephanie, we will miss Rhondda Grieg gave a beautiful tribute you. to departing friends Pat White and Catherine Day who will be missed. Frazer Mailman We look forward to your visit again ART Chair soon as we open our new exhibitions including the popular touring exhibition, The Imaginative Life of Graham Percy – ka kite anō. Alice Hutchison

2 Spotlight on the Collection

A new taonga for the collection This toki/adze, of polished fine grained argillite, was found on the Lake Ōnoke beach front in May. It measures 310mm x 50mm x 100mm. Further research will be undertaken on this exciting new find in consultation with archaeologists and it has now been added to the National register. The Ministry of Arts, Culture & Heritage has been notified of the find, and the toki is now at Aratoi awaiting the results.

What’s the time, Mr Wolf? If anyone was watching the Antiques Roadshow on 1 June, they may have seen an 18th century clock that had suffered fire damage, but which still had a good story to tell. It was a tavern clock, sometimes known as an Act of Parliament Parliamentary Collection in Wellington, restored and still keeping clock. We have one just like it in the collection, which has also time; one is at Aratoi and the other is we know not where. suffered over its long life, but has not been in close contact with They are quite rare, and a good one is worth £16,000. One a fire as yet. day we may be able to restore ours and have it somewhere in the Made from about 1720, these clocks were mostly for public building, measuring out the hours and days of modern life. places like taverns, where they would have been useful not only for telling patrons it was time to go home, but also for coach drivers, as taverns were often staging posts for the picking up and setting down of passengers. The clocks’ faces were large and not glass- covered, so there were no reflections to obscure the hour. The cases were decorated with gilt Chinoiserie images, and usually with the maker’s name prominent under or on the face. In the 1790s, Parliament imposed a tax on all clocks and watches to raise money to resist Napoleon’s relentless progress. The tax was abandoned after nine months as being an extremely bad idea – the populace stopped buying clocks and watches, clockmakers were driven out of business and people relied on the tavern clocks to know what time it was, probably to the benefit of the inn-keepers. The clock in the Aratoi collection was given to the people of Masterton by the Caselberg family, who owned three of these clocks. One is now in the

3 The Newsletter

EXHIBITION UPDATE The Imaginative Life and Times of Graham Percy – to 10 August 2014 ‘A micronaut in the wide world’ rediscovers the life and work of one of New Zealand’s most celebrated illustrators. In an obituary published in January 2008, The Guardian described him as: a cerebral illustrator – that is to say he worked pictures out, did not expect them to flow from the hand. His craftsmanship – the later work was mostly done with coloured pencils – was perfect. The roots of his style can be seen most clearly in the illustrations of Heath Robinson. Graham Percy had the same predilection for neat, even lines, well worked out architectural detail and chubby people. In many ways he was happiest with animals: the illustrations for his “Favourite Animal Fables” series demonstrate his grasp of the expressive potential of their bodies.

Born in Stratford in 1939, Graham Percy studied at Elam The Brahms Balloon, the Mozart Balloon . . . , 2006, ink, pencil and wash, 320 x 450 mm. Used with permission of the Estate School of Fine Arts before embarking on a career as an illustrator/ of Graham Percy. designer/artist. He was a contemporary of , Don Binney, Mervyn Williams and Hamish Keith, and was taught by Robert Ellis and Michael Nicholson. Percy was a pivotal figure in the design and illustration of the New Zealand School Journal in the early 1960s, before transplanting to London, where he illustrated over 100 books. His art appeared in John Berger’s groundbreaking television series and book, Ways of Seeing (1972). In 1994, Chronicle Books (San Francisco) published a book of his drawings (for an adult readership), Arthouse. In 2007, a recent series of his drawings, ‘Imagined Histories’ was published in the United Kingdom. In recent years, the art of Graham Percy has featured in a number of New Zealand publications, notably Cover Up –the art of the book cover in New Zealand, by Hamish Thompson (Random House 2007), which included his well-known covers for such iconic books as The End of the Golden Weather and The Pohutukawa Tree. Percy’s art is a major presence in A Nest of Singing Birds; Washday on the Coast . . . , 2005, ink and acrylic, 478 x 636 mm. 100 Years of the New Zealand School Journal, by Gregory O’Brien Used with permission of the Estate of Graham Percy. (Learning Media, 2007) and his art also featured in O’Brien’s Back and Beyond—New Zealand Painting for the Young and Curious (Auckland University Press, 2008). Like the work of all the great illustrators, Percy’s drawings communicate on many levels – they engage intellectually as well as emotionally. They can be playful and profound at the same time. Although Percy lived for the past forty years in London, his works are often gloriously (and refreshingly) New Zealand-centred. They are a singular playing out of the expatriate condition—they can be funny, touching, insightful, occasionally alarming, but always utterly engaging. This exhibition was curated and developed by Gregory O’Brien in partnership with Exhibition Services Tours, in association with , and Gus Fisher Gallery and has been extensively toured. All artworks courtesy of the Graham Percy Family Trust. A Kiwi in Venice, 2004, ink and pencil, 280 x 379 mm. Used with permission of the Estate of Graham Percy. 4 Toi Wairarapa Arts, Culture & Heritage Some meetings have their uses. A recent one with senior Council managers and Aratoi’s director suggested that it would be great to convey a sensorial experience of WW1, by a re-enactment of soldiers boarding a train and fewer returning. This idea derived from the discussion about the story panels of 'our boys' put together by Aratoi as part of the WW1 commemorations. Fast forward and a fully staged re-enactment is well under provided to Dr Bernard Jervis’ Featherston Camp Memorial Group, way. Mayor Lyn Patterson is spearheading the commemorative who has sought support at public meetings for a fitting memorial event with the production work carried out by Marilyn Bouzaid, to the Featherston Camp, a site of national significance. And staying assisted by Nigel Shields, former Army Warrant Officer. ‘Leaving in the south, we are providing funding advice for ‘The Crossing’ for the Front’ will be staged on 13 August 2014 to coincide with where soldiers will march over the Remutaka Hill scheduled next the 100 Year Anniversary of the first troops leaving for training at September and managed by former Army man, Tweet Bird. Awapuni Racecourse. For some welcome relief from all things World War One, we’re More accustomed to the theatre stage, Bouzaid is taking finalising the region’s creative directory collating details of those on the outdoor challenge, enlisting help from actors, drama associated with arts, culture and heritage activities, for publication students, singers and local bands. The steam train (supported by on the new website. We will also roll out a comprehensive regional Trust House) will arrive at 12 noon, with a scheduled departure at survey to gauge participation levels, who’s out there and activity. 1.30pm. Tickets to ride the train will be available soon. For inclusion in the creative directory or any enquiries please Another activity keeping us busy is advice and support contact Mena Antonio [email protected] or (06) 377 1379.

Aratoi Retail More beautiful New Zealand crafts to give, collect, treasure and use: Kitchen Artifacts by Tom Muir Puriri Moths by Kirsty Gardiner Unique Heritage woodware. Handmade in New Zealand. Each Life-size, exquisitely hand-crafted ceramic pieces. $45 each. piece is unique and only salvaged native timbers are used. Prices range from $48-$98.

5 The Newsletter The Friends of Aratoi Art and Architecture Tour: The Art – 23 March 2014 The Friends of Aratoi sincerely thank the generous owners who welcomed us into their homes to view art in the architectural environment. The eclectic private art collections in these six homes were accompanied by the owners’ stories and discussion about art with Alice Hutchison, Director of Aratoi, and Trish Clark, art consultant and gallery owner, Auckland. Below are snippets of art works seen, and some comments on the experience by Anne Taylor.

1 1: “Tragedy Outside the Dairy” Jacqueline Fahey uses violent street scenes from the press, inserting figures of her children and grandchildren to draw attention to the effect of international conflicts on civilians.

2 2: “The discrete 3 contemplation of the Stewart Island saddleback (from afar)” 1998 by Jacqueline Fraser Trish Clark explains the artist’s background in weaving and use of inexpensive plastic coated wire in her early career.

3: "Balinese Girl" Vladimir Tretchikoff print.

Anne Taylor writes: I had a slideshow running through my head, the evening after visiting six amazing Wairarapa homes. A few months on, the artworks that stay in my mind are ... the small, bright and juicy Allen Maddox painting at the base of the stairs at Donna and Mike’s place. Grids were almost a cliché in New Zealand painting in the 70s and 80s, but this work leapt out and looked fresh and punchy. Then upstairs it was interesting to see so many Vladimir Tretchikoff’s in one space. Marcia and Seb’s living room looked like a Matisse interior come to life . Here, I really enjoyed the broken colours of a landscape that Marcia had picked up at an auction, and some Modernist era paintings . A stunning, perhaps overlooked Jude Rae still life presided over the hallway at Lyn and Hop’s place. I tried to draw in the peace emanating from it, conscious of delaying my driver. The trip to Brancepeth was a total surprise. Particularly in the clerk’s office, there was an uncanny feeling that we were interlopers dropped into Victorian times. The Beetham family portraits were a fascinating series moving through time to our host Edward. At Jo and Mont’s home, a space literally dedicated to art, I loved the Gavin Chilcott and at Anne & Shane’s home, it was the Heather Straka portrait that hit me between the eyes. The beautiful protagonist looked back at us with that mesmerizing gaze, more than capable of holding her own in a roomful of art lovers. Watch this space for details about another sensational art tour in March 2015 Jo Beetham and Anne Atkinson Tour organisers on behalf of the Friends of Aratoi 6 Coming Soon – Little Jewels This important biennial fundraiser, a collaborative effort by Aratoi and the Friends, is coming up soon at the end of 2014. Little Jewels relies on the generosity of artists and anyone who feels so inclined to make and donate a small art work on the canvas provided. The works are sold anonymously, all for the same price, and some buyers will strike treasure, while others may take home something they love by an as yet undiscovered talent. The Friends supply the canvases, which will be available from Aratoi and The Village Art Shop in Greytown from early July. All GALA OPENING 5 December 2014 funds raised from the artworks go directly into Aratoi’s Collection Acquisition account, while funds from admission and a raffle help ADMISSION $10 (participating artists free) defray costs. Includes refreshments. So get the creative juices flowing, sharpen the paint brushes Come and enjoy a festive occasion with an and wash the pencils and have some fun. No themes or media opportunity to find a treasure, in support of the restrictions and no framing necessary – all submissions welcome. Aratoi Collection and the Friends of Aratoi. You don’t even have to be resident in the Wairarapa. The only limit is your imagination.

Above: Painting by Kate Small. Top right: Construction by Adam West-Watson . Bottom right: A selection. News from the Friends Volunteers Update Thank you to those volunteers who attended our recent morning tea and training session. Visitors often comment on the great job you do in making them feel welcomed. More ongoing training is planned. It is essential the first three tasks are completed. If you are Keep up the good work from the Friends. Your continued comfortable it would greatly help if you would attend, as time support and enthusiasm contributes to Aratoi’s success. permits, to any of the other tasks listed. We all need to be proactive by engaging with visitors as If you find you have time available they arrive, being welcoming and making sure Aratoi is a warm, and would like to join our Team of Volunteers, friendly and interesting place to visit. Retail sales are growing please contact Anthea or Adam positively. Ph: (06) 370 0001 7 The Newsletter

ARATOI Exhibitions Calendar INFORMATION Staff Graham Percy: A Micronaut in the Wide World – The Imaginative Life Director: Alice Hutchison and Times of Graham Percy Collection Manager: Bronwyn Reid 21 June-10 August 2014 Finance Manager: Carol Parkinson Main Gallery. In the mid-1960s New Zealander Graham Percy became a much- Visitor Services: Anthea Birch respected artist overseas. This exhibition contains a significant body of work never (Tues-Fri) seen here before. Curated and developed by Gregory O’Brien in partnership with Exhibition Services. Adam West-Watson (Sat-Mon) Masterton Art Club – Wesley Wing 11 July-10 August 2014. Opening 5.30-7pm, Friday 11 July 2014 A group exhibition showcasing the best of Masterton Art Club’s 2013-2014 Friends Committee production. Jo Beetham (Chair) Justine Fletcher’s Suffrage Project “607” Stephanie Kirby (Vice Chair) 18 July-4 August 2014. Opening reception 5-7pm, Friday 18 July 2014 Fiona Cameron (Treasurer) In partnership with New Zealand Pacific Studio as 2014 Friends of Aratoi Fellow. A Wairarapa-wide installation of 607 pendants commemorating the 607 Wairarapa Donna Burkhart (Secretary) women who signed the third suffrage petition in 1893, which resulted in the 1893 Debbie Te Whaiti Electoral Bill which finally gave women the right to vote. The pendants will be installed in four locations (West Taratahi Hall, Greytown Town Centre, Food for Robyn Harker Thought cafe in Masterton, and Eketahuna Memorial Hall) and can be viewed Janet Avery during scheduled open days in the first two weeks of July, before all 607 are Anne Atkinson brought together at Aratoi. Penny Bunny WW1 100: WAIRARAPA Sandra Debney 8 August-7 September 2014. Opening 5-7pm, Friday 8 August 2014; Neil Frances floortalk, 2pm, Saturday 9 August. Newsletter Sponsors To mark the centenary of the first World War, Aratoi, in partnership with Wairarapa Archive, will present a ‘pop-up’ exhibition in the foyer, featuring local boys who Aratoi is very grateful to the sponsors: went off to war. The display will become billboards in the Wairarapa railway Ο The Borman Family Trust Ο stations and be available to travel in the region. Please contact us should you be Ο Accent Architects Ο interested in hosting it. In 2016 Aratoi and the Wairarapa Archive will produce a Ο Printcraft Ο major exhibition on Featherston Camp. who are assisting with the costs of the newsletter in 2014. Nicki Stewart – Remember To Remember 8 August-7 September Windows gallery exhibition.

Wairarapa Camera Club – Wesley Wing 22 August-21 September 2014 A group exhibition of Masterton Camera Club’s 2013-2014 production.

Corner Bruce and Dixon Streets, PO Box 648, Masterton 5810 Phone: +64-6-370 0001 Fax: +64-6-370 0003 Email: [email protected] Hours: 7 days, 10.00am–4.30pm Closed Christmas & Boxing Day, 1&2 January, Good Friday Admission to the gallery is by gold coin donation. Enter your address on the website for email copies of newsletters. 8 www.aratoi.co.nz