54
COROMANDEL LIFE
SUMMER 2014
THE LITTLE GALLERY OF FINE ARTS
in
Tairua has had a new ‘lease on life’ – literally,
as in May mother/daughter team of Paula
McNeill and Sarah Holden took over lease and
ownership from Andrea Johnson.
“My friends thought I was crazy when we told
them we were buying a gallery in Tairua,” says
Sarah. “How was I to find the time living in
Auckland with ‘3 children under 3’ to look after?
But when you have a passion for something
you can always find the time to do it”
Paula, well known award winning Tairua artist,
has been an integral part of the Little Gallery
since it’s opening. She shares, “When Andrea
and I opened the gallery in 2009, we saw it as
the starting point as a cultural centre for Tairua.
We had wonderful support from the public and,
with dedication from our artist team, we created
a gallery that is greatly admired.”
Sarah adds, “Although not an artist myself, I
have always been surrounded by art, especially
through Mum. With a true understanding
and passion for the arts and my knowledge
of marketing, this opportunity and challenge
gives me a fantastic chance to embrace both.
I hope the artists and our clients gain from our
combined skills and dedication.”
However, this is not your average family
business. The Little Gallery is run like a
cooperative; participating artists volunteer time
to support in many ways, such as working in
the gallery or helping maintain the new website
“This relationship has created a sort of
extended family,” Sarah notes. “We couldn’t
have a gallery without the support of our artists.
We value their loyalty, their ideas and input.”
Since May, the team has held a summer
exhibition, developed the new website and
increased the quality of the artwork. This
means that, far from being a local ‘quaint’
gallery, it has become a highly respected art
dealer, representing award winning artists and
internationally acclaimed jewellers.
One of the aims of The Little Gallery is to bring
art and artists, particularly artists linked to
the Coromandel, to a wider community of art
lovers. This March, they will be a ‘gallery hub’
for the Mercury Bay Art Escape. But, ongoing is
the value of its ‘Artist in Residence’ concept.
“Our artist in residence program is a great
way to bring artists forward to interact with
the public”, explains Paula. For the month
of March, Jane Galloway (cover artist for the
Coromandel Life
Spring 2013 edition) will have
a room dedicated to her work and be present to
meet guests the first weekend in March during
the Mercury Bay Art Escape.
Find this diverse intimate gallery that prides itself on
offering ‘a little of the best’ at 228 Main Rd in Tairua,
next to Manaia Cafe. See p 2-5 for a sampling of
artwork, and visit to see which artists’ studios you
want to visit during the Art Escape (p8).
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ART
SHINE HAIR STUDIO
KEEPS UP
WITH THE LATEST & GREATEST
Last November I stumbled upon the Shine team having a ‘continuing ed’ course after hours
in the shop. It was impressive to see owner Tracey Hall with stylists Sue and Richard keeping
up with the latest colour and style techniques, while Melanie Dunn and Kat Vaughters get the
benefits of a new do by being very willing ‘test subjects’.
These stylish Stylists keep up not only with the newest trends in techniques, but in new prod-
ucts as well. One of Tracey’s long standing lines, Kuene, recognise that people are becoming
increasingly more health conscious in their choices for products and ingredients. They also
produce a pure, sustainable and natural line called ‘So Pure’. I use and love their shampoo,
rinse and curl enhancer – fabulous products with fabulous scents! Be sure to ask Tracey
about their new ‘ammonia free’ haircolour product.
New news!
Tracey has since sold the shop in Pauanui and while she and Sue will still be
working together in Tairua, Richard will remaine with the shop in Pauanui. Vanessa Jepson, a
mother of two with over 20 years experience as a hairdresser, took over the Pauanui location
as of the new year.
Tracey says of the sale, “I won’t won’t miss the drive back and forth, but I will miss working
with Richard and all the client relationships built in Pauanui over the past three years.
“However,” she says, “I’m confident our clients have been left in good hands.”
Stop in Shine on Main Road or ring 07 864 9190. Be sure to check out Tracey’s awesome products
next time you’re getting your fabulous Summer cut, style or colour.
Note: Vanessa has renamed the shop Bella and is still located in Pauanui Centre, 07 864 7926.
Tracey Salkfield of Hikaui is a very busy
and resourceful lady. She not only manages
Pauanui Centre and works with husband Sam
in their landscaping business, she runs a home
business that combines individual artistry
with the cutting edge of a laser. She designs
and creates felt and cardboard images for
scrapbooking, crafts and wall decor.
“I bought the business two years ago”, explains
Tracey. “I’ve done a huge range of crafts over
the years, so knew the appeal of these items
– I’ve bought plenty myself!” The equipment
consists of the laser cutter, compressor,
computer, work bench and “lots of shelving” to
hold materials.
The laser engraves as well, and it can cut up
to 8mm thickness on a range of materials
including felt, paper, card, wood and acrylic.
People use her stylish products for invitations,
business cards, keyrings, coasters. One would
think this is a “girl thing”, but Tracey is sure
to include designs for boys. “Trucks, animals,
tractors, that sort of thing.”
“I primarily cut shapes for scrap bookers and
card makers, but also do custom cutting for
people who have their own designs.” Recently
someone asked her for a fridge magnet of their
’64 Cadillac (see photo).
See more at
call Tracey
at 021 2404437.
FIX DESIGN
offers sharp
laser cut
scrapbook art
IT’S MORE
THAN A
BUSINESS.
IT’S
FAMILY
