Four local creatives are exhibiting items at Alexandra’s Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in a unique cash and carry exhibition for the next three weeks.

The Artists Quarter Exhibition 2023 combines clay, paint and photographic work of Camille Alabaster, hand smocking, patchwork and Christmas craft from Alexandra Sewing Circle members Shona Bain and Robyn Creighton, and traditional and contemporary Māori weaving from guest artist Marcanui.

Camille said her included works were the result of a year of work, and she was thrilled how everything had come together in the gallery.

Visitors to the opening night enjoyed the chance to peruse the crafts and art.

Camille’s pottery ‘Wise Man vases’ are $30 to buy. 

Marcanui was invited to be a part of the exhibition by his colleague from Central Otago Reap Shona Bain.

“She said ‘we are going to do this’ to me . . . and that was that.”

He learned weaving at Unitec in 2010, studying towards a certificate in traditional and contemporary Māori weaving. 

Marcanui’s hats, bags and weaving pieces to hang on walls are included in the exhibition.

He said to compile the weaving for the exhibition would have taken him five weeks of full time weaving, but as he worked tutoring as well he had completed it in a more gradual way. 

One of his students who practised raranga (weaving) has gone on to exhibit her own work after attending his workshops and he regularly visits local schools across Otago to share his knowledge. 

Central Stories plans to have his weaving for sale in the shop soon and his work can also be found at gift shop Raw in Arrowtown. 

Shona Bain’s little girls’ cotton dresses with hand smocking providing texture and embellishment. 

Opening night at Central Stories was attended by about 25 art enthusiasts on Saturday, November 11.

Central Stories operations manager Paula Stephenson said it would be great to get lots of support for the four artists, as the works were locally made and beautifully crafted. 

The exhibition runs until December 5, entry is free and the hours are 10am - 4pm.