An art exhibition inspired by items in the Clyde Museum opens tomorrow night (6pm, Thursday March 17) and local artists will attend to answer questions.

The exhibition ‘Sanctuary’ contains work by 12 Central Otago artists across a range of mediums, including sculpture, photography, paintings, ceramics, textiles and poetry.

The brief to artists was to reimagine objects from within the museum, challenge perceptions, and break the code of reason. 

Clyde Museum chair Andrea (Andy) Ritchie said part of human nature is the belief that possessions have the power to create a charmed circle around us and provide sanctuary.

These treasured items sometimes end up in museums, consigned to history, treated with care and given asylum from the outside world. 

Cromwell’s Rachel Hirabayashi painting is inspired by an old doll and references a Spanish tradition of a painting to comfort grieving families 

“The price that comes with this asylum is loss. The cherished toy, the clothing worn with pride, the well-used tool becomes spiritually inert.”

The exhibitors have drawn on the idea that art is a sanctuary from the impulse to explain; pieces are about illusion, magic and making charms.

Marion Vialade-Worch’s exhibition piece Helas, a museum within a museum

Artists displaying their work are Jennifer Hay, Jillian Porteous, Megan Huffadine, Marion Mewburn, Gretl Barzotto, Libby Paulin, Lynne Wilson, Judy Cockram, PKay Maracin, Amanda Griffin, Andy Ritchie and Rachel Hirabayashi.   

Mr and Mrs Young 1863 by potter Marion Mewburn

Women’s domestic items (such as a crochet hook, and a comb) honour their often forgotten lives, and are repurposed as jewellery in portraits by Megan Huffadine 

The exhibition runs until April 30. General admission to the museum is by donation.

The Clyde Museum, staffed largely by volunteers, is at 5 Blyth Street and is open Tuesday – Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. 

New volunteers are welcomed to staff the museum on a fortnightly roster. 

PHOTOS: The Central App