[As published in March/April BayBuzz magazine.]

Talents collide and magic results here with a photography-floral pairing and overleaf with three creatives making space for audiences and artists to connect.

Florence Charvin and Rebecca Hawke

Editorial and commercial photographer Florence Charvin and floral sculptor Rebecca Hanke don’t write lists and make detailed plans ahead of creating their ethereal, richly textured collaborative photographs. They show up to create and shoot with an almost-coincidentally shared vision of the atmosphere and moments they’re trying to capture, and then go ahead and make it happen. 

Anyone who has seen their exhibitions (one in Hastings in support of the 2024 Hospice Holly Trail and the other at Napier’s Rabbit Room gallery) will recall the unique cohesion of the images. The sense that although surprising and unexpected, they felt calm and inevitable, fully realised. The narrative quality of the work shows us two creatives at their best, crafting character and story, while leaving room for interpretation and a little mystery.

Their next collaborative project will find its way and its shape during the year, hopefully ready for audiences during the Hospice Holly Trail in November.

Fish Radich, Joseph Roundtree & John Lancashire at The Big Room 

Differences are strengths here at The Big Room in Heretaunga Street, Hastings. Three stunningly talented artists with totally different approaches, disciplines and skills. Scores of other makers and creators who fill the walls alongside the artist-curators. A supportive and curious community. A joyful, unique neighbourhood that was primed and waiting for a visual art gallery.

What started last year as John and Joe searching for somewhere to stage a combined exhibition of their paintings, moved swiftly to gather up sculptor Fish and extend into an exciting contemporary art space showing a variety of emerging and established artists from around the Bay and further afield. The group shows have been a hit (as have the opening parties!) and there are plans for more to come this year. Keep an ear out for an upcoming exhibition of new work from John, Joe and Fish, as well as a collaborative project with Stepdown over on Eastbourne Street.

The Big Room is at 202 Heretaunga Street East, and is open 11am to 3pm, Wednesday to Sunday or by appointment.

Indy Night … in the Napier CBD

Picture this: an after-five scene – families dining streetside in the early evening as the sun dips away, lights from the galleries glowing outward, locals and visitors alike filling the footpaths and a vibe of liveliness and bustle without too much hustle.

We keep hearing that people want more to do after hours, and so a bunch of independent retailers in the Napier CBD are heeding the call and kicking off Indy Night. From now (March) onwards, the first Friday of each month will see opening hours stretched to 7pm to entice more action in the arts quarter, more retail activity, more city center fun.

Instigated by Elisa Boyd-Dunlop from Boyd-Dunlop Gallery on Hastings Street, Indy Night so far includes Emily Mallard Ceramics, Music Machine, Boyd-Dunlop Gallery, Wardini Books, Tennyson Gallery, Department of Curiosities and Fine Things, Emporium, Ooma, Spex Eyewear, Bistronomy, Vinci’s, Hapi, and it’s expected that more retailers and food / beverage providers will join in as the months roll along.

Elisa says the reasons for the initiative are varied, but she’s most excited for people who can’t usually make it to town in regular shopping hours to be able to experience Napier’s unique retail scene.

“We’ve got some incredible offerings here and we’re keen to bring that to more people, in a family-friendly way.” 

“We’re going to be having exhibition openings on these nights, book launches, add in music, we’ve got great food, plus there are lots of interesting characters. And these are family-run, independent businesses. Every dollar spent here is going to our local community.”

“What is the function of a CBD? It is about community.”

Indy Night will take place on April 10 due to Easter, but beyond that, on the first Friday of each month. Mark your diary and we’ll see you in the Napier CBD.