Stardust Gallery

Tucked away on Earne Street in the quiet and quaint town of Naseby, Stardust Gallery celebrates the breathtaking beauty of the Māniatoto’s land and skies. 

Phil Flanagan opened the studio space in 2022, after spending three years restoring a group of historic stables that date back to 1865. The renovations have given the building a sleek and contemporary feel, while retaining original features such as the fireplace, distressed hardwood floors, and striking blue stained glass windows, which offer a unique and one-of-a-kind backdrop for displaying local art.

Although Phil may hesitate to call himself a “professional photographer,” the framed evidence on the walls suggests otherwise. A builder by trade, Phil also spent 13 years as a musterer on some of Aotearoa’s largest sheep stations. Always with a camera in his saddlebag or oilskin pocket, he began by documenting his daily life. After relocating to Naseby, the dramatic Central Otago landscape fueled his passion for photography, turning the hobby into something bigger.

Phil’s photographs capture a variety of locations, sometimes returning to the same scenes at different times of day or year to highlight the region’s dramatic and changeable personality. From golden tussock fields to ominous weather, and whimsical red huts in remote settings, his images are captivating and have even earned a few accolades at the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers awards.

Stardust is also home to landscape painter and sculptor Jenny Chisholm, with appearances from a few other local artists across the year as well. Upon entering, a left turn leads to Jenny’s studio, where jars of paint brushes line the distressed window ledges, a palette of experimental swirls add colour, and perhaps a work-in-progress rests against an easel. The blend of landscape paintings and photography complement each other beautifully and provide an ever-evolving collection of works to admire (and purchase, if you’re in the market).

Next door, Phil has transformed the old general store into a movie theatre, complete with an eclectic mix of thrifted armchairs and a large projector screen. During the busier months in Naseby, hundreds of free movies are screened for both locals and visitors to enjoy.