Art at the south end

Artists Pat Gregory and Ali Shannon welcome customers to Pihanga Gallery in Tūrangi. Photo: Dan Hutchinson

A Tūrangi arts collective is giving artists dotted around the southern end of Lake Taupō a valuable outlet for their work. 

Pihanga Gallery in Tūrangi Mall, has been running for more than 15 years, stocking a wide range of art — paintings, woodwork, jewellery, flax weaving, fibre art, ceramics and sculpture. 

Ali Shannon, vice president of the collective, says the variety tends to catch people off guard.  

"It's surprising what you find in these small communities.” 

Members come from across the southern part of the lake, including Motuoapa, Waitetoko, Lake Rotoaira, Tokaanu, Pūkawa Bay and more.  

Ali says the surrounding landscape has a strong influence on the work.  

"I think our creativity is probably influenced by the landscape we live in," she says. 

The national parks, mountains and Tongariro River are a recurring theme throughout the gallery. 

One of the most popular items is flax kete woven by a Māori artist whose work sells almost as quickly as it can be restocked. 

The gallery is open from 10am-4pm on weekdays and 9.30am-1.30pm on Saturday, to coincide with the market held in the mall at that time. 

The gallery is run entirely by its artist members, who take one shift per week. Fiona Pocock serves as president, with Shannon as vice president. 

The collective has a Facebook presence, though most sales happen in person.  

A loyal base of returning customers includes holiday-home owners from the area and the ski season usually brings a welcome boost in foot traffic.