Meet 10 Creators and Curators of Central Otago

Peek behind the bright red door of a white cottage on Sunderland Street in Clyde to discover a wonderland of wool. Touch Yarns is a family-owned business that has been turning locally sourced wool into the softest skeins for over three decades and across three generations. The shelves are brimming with luxurious fibres, from merino and mohair to alpaca and possum, paired with patterns designed by Touch Yarns’ very own Kylie, while husband Glenn takes care of hand-dyeing the wool. Beginner or expert, this is an open and welcoming haven for keen knitters of all ages and abilities.

A multi-award-winning photographer, Janyne Fletcher captures Central Otago’ beauty through a unique blend of fine art and landscape photography. Her innovative work transforms everyday scenes into thought-provoking compositions using diverse materials and techniques. Her gallery in Ranfurly, housed in a cute Art Deco building, showcases an evolving collection available to purchase while providing a studio space for Janyne to print and frame her work. 

A unique retail space founded by Russ and Tania in 2024, Lohi Linen is all about promoting a circular economy. Set in a stylishly revamped warehouse space, the store showcases handcrafted goods from over 20 Central Otago artisans and a few independent designers from further afield. From knitwear and ceramics to upcycled furniture and art, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone. Inside, you’ll likely catch Tania at work in her open studio space, where she crafts her own line of linen clothing and cushions using natural fabrics and eco-friendly haberdashery. Lohi Linen is also committed to bringing the community together, hosting fashion show fundraisers and currently planning to open a wine bar.

Phil Flanagan, a renowned local landscape photographer, has lovingly restored a small group of old stables on Naseby’s Earne Street, transforming them into Stardust Gallery. This gallery and studio space showcases Phil's stunning photography, capturing the dramatic and ever-changing beauty of the Māniatoto region, alongside the works of painter and sculptor Jenny Chisholm. Stardust is a must-visit for art lovers, whether you're seeking a special piece to commemorate your time in Central Otago or simply enjoying the art. During busier months, Phil also utilises the room next door to host free movie screenings for both kids and adults.

Originally from Dunedin, Janet Podham and Gordon Still moved to Roxburgh with a vision to showcase the work of talented local artists from the Teviot Valley. The couple transformed an old supermarket into a vibrant gallery space, presenting a diverse collection, including landscape paintings, quirky ceramics, wooden sculptures, modern jewellery, and sleek mid-century furniture. Unique collectibles like hot air balloons, spy glasses, racing cars and more treasures sourced from Authentic Models are also scattered around the room. 

Growing up on a sheep and beef farm in the Māniatoto, wool has always been in the back of Lucy Girvan’s mind and has influenced her career path. While studying fashion design at Otago Polytechnic, Lucy focused on the natural, renewable and biodegradable properties of wool to create garments with a smaller ecological footprint. At just 22, she launched the Eweburn Creek label, a high-quality (and super soft) range of clothing and accessories made from 100% wool grown on her parent’s property just outside of Ranfurly. As well as offering an online shop, Lucy’s woolly wares can be found at select stockists, including Lohi Linen and Floral & Feast.

OCTA is a one-of-a-kind gallery and workshop enriching the Cromwell Heritage Precinct experience. Owned by Chris and Gael de Jong, the pair have transformed the historic Belfast Store into a vibrant exhibition space where the rare masterpieces of Matisse and Braque are showcased alongside contemporary New Zealand artists like Ralph Hotere, Marilynn Webb, and Pat Hanly. Gael's own stunning landscape paintings are also featured and – while retired from his days as a lecturer – Chris runs printmaking workshops on request.

Karen Rhind has always had a fondness for lavender and its therapeutic properties, a plant that conveniently happens to thrive in the region’s semi-arid climate. Using lavender that she grows on her property’s one-acre patch, Karen creates her own range of natural products and sells them at her store, The Tent House. Located in a petite shop within Cromwell’s Heritage Precinct, shelves of beautiful soaps, skincare, fragrances and cleaning products fill the space with sweet-smelling lavender. Karen also has over 25 years experience in gardening and landscape design, an expert in the flora that flourishes best in Central Otago’s conditions. In the charming courtyard behind the shop, you’ll find lavender, herbs, succulents and other hardy plants available to purchase.

Marion is a ceramic artist based in the Teviot Valley, adding a new layer of interest to tea time. Since 1996, Marion has been creating colourful and intricate teapots, often depicting humorous, whimsical and delightfully chaotic scenes. Each creation is completely functional, from the spout to the handle and lid, with the playful addition of 3D flowers and characters, quirky colour schemes and fun structures springing from the top. Marion’s work can be spotted at art spaces and galleries over Aotearoa, but if you’re in Central Otago you can find her teapots at Eade Gallery in Clyde and Forfar Road Gallery in Roxburgh.

Named after an appreciation for the smaller things in life, Anna began Pebble Pottery at the beginning of 2022 after her youngest child went off to school and she was left with a desire to create. Serendipity hit when she inherited an old pottery wheel and kiln from a friend’s mum, and – aided by endless Youtube videos – taught herself to transform clay into beautiful ceramics. Residing on a farm in the Māniatoto, Anna converted the back shed into a dedicated studio space where she throws clay into a range of pieces – from handmade travel mugs and cute bud vases to dreamy mugs with floral designs and even personalised dog bowls. Pebble Pottery can be found at various local businesses, including on the shelves of Floral & Feast, and Anna also takes custom orders.