The Raglan Arts Centre Gallery is being given a new lease of life as it looks ahead to a future rich with creative opportunity in Whāingaroa Raglan.
New volunteer arts coordinator Ruth Hickman-Goodall is drawing on her artistic talents and long-standing love of the arts to relaunch the gallery.
Ruth is inviting all artists to a hui on Wednesday, March 25 at 6pm at the Raglan Arts Centre. “This is an opportunity for our local creatives to have a say on the future direction of the gallery,” she says.
The first exhibition titled My Dream Is Hope, opens in April. Ruth wanted the inaugural exhibition to strike an optimistic tone and provide inspiration for artists of all ages. “The theme is personal to each artist – it’s their dream of hope. The world can feel pretty bleak at times, so I wanted to focus on something uplifting.”
Recently renovated to better showcase visual art, the Gallery has the potential to once again become a vibrant hub for creative expression. Ruth hopes her role will help unlock that potential.
Creating opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in the arts is something close to Ruth’s heart. A former Head of Art at Hillcrest High School, she has nurtured the creative development of countless students throughout her career.
Following April’s exhibition, Ruth will curate a second show in May to coincide with the World Surf League Championship Tour. The Surfelicious Art Show will celebrate surf culture and beach vibes and is open to artists of all disciplines.
“I’ll be encouraging artists to think about smaller works and art objects that international visitors can easily take home,” she says.
She’s also putting the call out for volunteers to help keep the gallery open. “Volunteers are the backbone of our community. Our gallery volunteers just need an appreciation of art and a willingness to support our local arts community,” she says.
Newly self-employed, Ruth now balances her own practice at her CodeOrange Studio specialising in painting, art tutoring and upcycled textiles – while helping guide the Old School Art Gallery into a dynamic and inclusive future.
“My aim is for the gallery to be an inclusive space for all artists, and a place where everyone can enjoy the creativity that is alive and well in Raglan.”
To find out more about My Dream Is Hope or The Surfelicious Art Show, contact Ruth at thegallery@raglanartscentre.co.nz and you can view Ruth’s work at codeorangestudio.com.
