Eastern Southland Gallery

Located just across the street from the Hokonui Moonshine Museum is the Eastern Southland Art Gallery housed in Gore’s former Carnegie Library building.

The Eastern Southland Gallery collection is impressive in the breadth of mediums featured and the sheer volume of notable work that lives within its walls. The Ralph Hotere Gallery includes 60 works by Hotere, one of New Zealand’s most notable contemporary artists. Hotere was a strong supporter of the Eastern Southland Gallery throughout his life. He is well known for his biting political commentary conveyed through his painting and experimental approach to materials and the creative process in general.

The John Money Wing boasts more than 400 works of art collected throughout his 50 year career. Works by prominent Kiwi artists Rita Angus and Theo Schoon incorporate portraits of New Zealand’s people and traditional Māori imagery respectively. Carvings and sculptures from West Africa as well as American paintings can also be found.

In addition to the impressive permanent collection, temporary exhibitions are always rotating at The Eastern Southland Gallery.

Curator Jim Geddes has been with the gallery since its inception and his passion for art and the Gore community is evident in the annual event schedule which includes many events and tours for school children and local groups. The exhibitions and collections here beckon local art fans and international pilgrims alike, so don’t miss it.