Art with purpose: Art Metro
One local gallery has established itself as a cornerstone of Canterbury’s community arts scene. As well as offering professional and individualised fine arts tuition, Art Metro is currently displaying a series of stunning works by two of their tutors, Malene Laugesen and Veronique Lambert. Danish-born Malene’s work draws on her background as an […]
Marilynn Webb: Folded in the Hills, Christchurch Art Gallery
A masterful collection of landscapes all about connection is currently exhibited at Christchurch Art Gallery. Late Māori artist Marilynn Webb (Ngāpuhi, Te Roroa, Ngāti Kahu) is known for her unique form and passion for feminism and environmental and political issues. Over five decades, Marilynn dedicated herself to creating art that explores the relationships […]
Kintsugi Muse
The latest series by emerging artist Cosette Calder, “encapsulates the perfectly imperfect and finds beauty in the broken,” she says. Ōtautahi-based artist Cosette finds inspiration from a 400-year-old Japanese art form known as Kintsugi. It means to “join with gold.” This ancient art form is a method of repairing objects, usually ceramic pottery […]
Celebrating creativity and community: Isaac Theatre Royal
As we cross the threshold into mid-2024, the Isaac Theatre Royal team reflects on a decade of resilience and renewal since the rebuild in the heart of Ōtautahi. The past year and a half have been radiant, with the historic stage echoing vibrant creativity and the deep connections that bind our community.Central to […]
Christchurch choir boy takes on the opera
Cathedral choir director Nicholas Forbes has a lifetime dedication to choir. He tells Metropol writer Daniella Judge about his involvement in the upcoming New Zealand Opera show Le comte Ory. Nicholas’ exuberant personality and excitement over Le comte Ory are infectious. It’s easy to imagine him happily leading a team of opera singers, […]
From Here on the Ground: Christchurch Art Gallery
At Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu now, From Here on the Ground is a fascinating collection of art from 20th century Aotearoa artists exploring urban, suburban, and industrial landscapes. From Here on the Ground features works from Christchurch Art Gallery’s collection supplemented by loans from lenders around the country, including paintings […]
On tour with Mel Parsons
Indie folk artist Mel Parsons, set to release her new album Sabotage in June this year, shares with Metropol writer Daniella Judge what it takes to make a life as a touring artist. Growing up on the West Coast, the soundscape of Mel’s childhood was the ocean rolling in. It was no wonder, […]
A legacy of love: Isaac Theatre Royal
Amidst the opulent halls and twinkling chandeliers of the Isaac Theatre Royal, a timeless tale unfolded, a story of dedication woven into the fabric of four decades. Beyond its grand façade lies a story of unwavering dedication of so many ushers and bar staff to be celebrated. Pam Lutton was drawn to the […]
CONTEMPLATING SAND AND SHORE: PG gallery192
Set out to explore the ebbs and flows of an iconic part of our geography in Aotearoa, COAST is the new exhibition running this month at PG gallery192. The exhibition features thoughtful works across a variety of media by Josh Bashford, Jacqui Colley, Maurice Lye, Jenna Packer, and more. Immersing yourself in this […]
The people’s choice
For the second consecutive year, Hazel Rae has won the Zonta Ashburton Female Art Awards “People’s Choice”, this year for her work Voyage, a clear favourite among the 350 votes that were cast. A portrait of Hazel’s friend’s grandparents, Voyage tells a story. Rather than following the conventions of traditional portraiture, Hazel embellished […]











