Stockist Series: Space Gallery

Sarah Williams runs Space Studio & Gallery in Whanganui, which has a regular rotation of exhibitions showcasing local artists and also stocks a few carefully curated publications including little old Extra Curricular. We asked Sarah about her creative haven...

What will customers discover at Space?

Space is an Art Gallery & Studio housing a constantly changing and diverse range of artwork made locally in Whanganui. Exhibitions change almost weekly, so you've got to get in quick! We also have 3 studio artists working on site; we are currently in the process of shifting and upgrading our artist studios upstairs to a larger premises, in order for us to house more studio artists and offer larger more varied studios. Our goal to create a hub for the arts in Whanganui.

What's the best thing about coming to work each day?
I still can't believe that this is my job! Some days I have to pinch myself to make sure its real. Coming to work everyday is bliss when you are doing something you really love. I get to work with the most amazing people; Whanganui has such a loving and supportive arts community its great to be a part of it. For me, being able to give emerging artists opportunities is a real privilege.

'Through the Looking Glass' a photographic & video installation by Su Hendeles

What is one thing you learnt from starting your business?
To never under-estimate the power of following your dreams – always choose the leap of faith. It's sometimes easy to sit back and watch the world go by, but if you want to do what you love then you have to take risks.


What's the best-kept secret in your local area?
Whanganui is humming with independent business and creative individuals doing awesome things! Places to be are the local farmers market on a Saturday, followed by a coffee at Jolt, pop along to an art opening at Space, then head on out for a night of live music at Space Monster. Just to name a few of our best-kept secrets!

Space Studio and Gallery
64 Taupo Quay, Whanganui 4500

Tues - Sat: 12pm - 4pm

spacestudiogallery.co.nz

Art with benefits

When Brisbane designers Kristy Elliott and Anita Chew wanted to start a project that would benefit the community and enable them to network with like-minded creatives, they settled on Art With Benefits. The aim is to raise funds for a different charity each year, boosting the charity's profile at the same time.

 

The first Art With Benefits exhibition will be held on October 8th in West End, Brisbane. Creatives are challenged to produce a work that is inspired by Madagascar – entries are open until 13th September. 

 

Kristy and Anita say that after carrying out their own research for the project, they found it alarming how bad the environmental conditions have become in Madagascar. The funds raised from the sale of the artwork will go directly to The Eden Reforestation Project. All artwork will be for sale, with 50% of the sale proceeds going to the artist and the remaining 50% to the charity. Every $10 raised will plant 100 trees.

Get involved at www.artwithbenefits.com

Photos courtesy of The Eden Projects

Don't Puke On Your Dad

Maybe you remember Toby Morris' drawing project which we talked about last year, documenting his first year of parenthood? Well, the book is coming out next week! It's being published by one of our favourite local publishers Beatnik, who feature in the latest issue. Toby is one of those creatives who still find the energy after-hours to produce some of their best work (he spoke to us in issue one about how the two feed off each other).

You can buy one here. Or you can attend the launch party at Beatnik, this Thursday 22nd August from 5pm and pick up a signed copy (and even if you can't make it to the party, it's worth watching the fantastic invite on Vimeo, filmed by Sonya Nagels).

p.s. It's Father's Day here in the Southern Hemisphere in less than two weeks!

The Artful Business Conference

Running a creative business is hard work. Whether you're making a full time job of it, or you have a crafty sideline gig, staying focused and inspired can be hard (especially if you're working in isolation). Joining the crop of fantastic events for creatives this year is The Artful Business Conference - a virtual conference hosted by Australian based business development team, Robyn and Elle, who have pulled together 8 incredible speakers from Australia and around the world.

Designed to educate and inspire, the two-day conference promises to give you the tools to take your business to the next level – providing a great source of information and inspiration for those running (or thinking about starting) a creative business – here's the low-down:

Jessika Hepburn from Oh My! HandmadeGoodness is going to show attendees how to make and build online communities around your brand. She will start with why community is important, how to start your own and how to cultivate it. On day two Jessika will demonstrate how to run a twitter chat.

Karen Gunton runs build a little biz, working with women in business to help them shine. She will speak about being authentic, bringing your YOU to your business and then get into some practical tips to rock out some amazing DIY visual marketing of your own.

Simon Walker, Nicole Fende and Mark Silver all touch on various aspects around money in small business and how to overcome the emotional hurdles and mind-blocks that are often associated with money. From the very practical to the emotions behind it all these guys will get you thinking about cash in a different way.

Jacqui Pryor will be explaining how to protect all your creative and wonderful business ideas. She will talk trademarks and copyright in a way that is easy to understand.

And Shayne Tilley and Monica McCarthy get into the nitty gritty of how to sell yourself authentically online from video, interviews, email marketing and just online marketing in general.

Check out the videos on their profile pages to get a taste of what they will be speaking about.

Some key info:

- Tickets start at AU$99

- The event is streamed live online September 3rd and 4th. If you grab a Gold or Premium Pass you get 6 months access to all the sessions so you can come back and watch them in your own time.

- You can download the full program here.

Inside number twelve

Some inside spreads from the latest issue - out this week in all your favourite shops!

The Tall Tales issue

Issue 12 is out soon and now available for pre-order at Felt & Big Cartel. Hope you love Erica Harrison's cover art as much as we do!

Auckland Art & Craft Fair

The Auckland Art & Craft Fair happened on the weekend and organisers Jess & Kylie and their team did an amazing job, yet again.

As well as joining me behind the table for a good few hours, two pre-fair late-night sewing sessions and a packed lunch delivery, Sonya Nagels caught a few images of the EC stand. Big thanks to Matta for making my magazine stand too! I owe them both big time. And that's my illustrated market money, below – it was so fun being paid with money I designed.

The fair was busy and buzzing the whole time, and I didn't have much time for shopping but we both managed to snap up a few hand-screenprinted cards by our next cover illustrator, Erica Harrison. Her prints and cards are beautiful and tactile – you can feel the thick layers of ink and the colours are rich and delicious.

Look out for Erica's illustrations and interview in the next issue, out July 31st.