KURA gallery on Allen Street is turning 10, and its celebrations will bring its opening a decade ago full-circle.
Its celebratory dinner later this month at the historic Robert Orr House in Lower Hutt is appropriate because it was also the location of Kura’s original opening function.
Although the house contains historical artwork, books, and artefacts, and Kura features contemporary New Zealand art, they are connected through Kura’s regular artist Ross Hemera, who is a cousin of gallery owner Jude Dods, and a relative of the owner of the Robert Orr House.
It may sound confusing, but Kura is delighted with the unlikely association, says retail and exhibition’s manager Helen Jennings.
“The Robert Orr House is rather grand, and they’ve hosted actors and film people over the years,” she says.
Kura has had its fair share of notables walk through the gallery doors as well, including cast members of The Lovely Bones, Roger Donaldson, the director of The World’s Fastest Indian, and American actor/comedian Jack Black.
“Jack Black bought beautiful greenstone pendants for all his family and friends,” says Jennings.
The idea of selling high quality contemporary New Zealand and predominantly Maori art, and providing an exhibition space for local artists to showcase their work, was born out of 20 years of overseas travel.
Owner Jude Dods travelled extensively through Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and even opened her first gallery in Namibia, working with the community to provide an outlet for local artists.
“She lived as an expat with her husband and was drawn into the fabulous culture of other countries, but came back here and realised we have as much amazing artwork and culture in New Zealand,” says Jennings.
Some of the artists featured at the Allen Street gallery have been with Kura for the whole 10 years.
To celebrate the opening, carver Ross Hemera created a waharoa (gateway) for the gallery entranceway. Now, on the eve of the 10th birthday, the piece has been sold.
“It was quite a feature when we opened on Allen Street, and funnily enough 10 years later it’s moving out,” says Jennings. “It was made from beams of a bridge, so it’s recycled timber. An [English] guy who was working in Wellington loved it, and bought it, before moving back home.”
Many visitors to Wellington stop by the gallery to buy special New Zealand treasures to take home, she says. It’s made Kura wonder whether they should open up a contemporary Kiwi gallery abroad.
“That’s been on the wish list for quite a few years – people keep asking us when we’ll be opening a gallery in San Francisco,” laughs Jennings.