It took a while, the Last Waltz series finally got big enough to go outside at averaging 1600mm high,  two selling on opening night with a third finished overnight fill an exhibition invitation! Developed to be dismantled in three pieces enabling shipping to become alot more viable. The base cone can also be constructed hollow so it can be filled with a weighted material like sand of pebbles or pinned to the ground depending on the location

The State Flux and all that dwells within...........its more than a passing nod to Bauhaus in both images, objects and intent.
Changes are afoot, some say that is what brings out true creativity but why it has to be during a recession I`ll never know! We had a photoshoot last Saturday which is not what we normally do but as we all know these are not normal times!
More photos on The Arts Menagerie website and products to be revealed soon!

Its Ponsonby and The Arts Menagerie are out for a walk in the dark of night......

The Arts Menagerie launches its first group exhibition with the question
"Who are you? " How would you express the artist within as an illuminated artwork?
Over 20 artists exploring aspects about themselves as well as working with new found skills. Works include table, wall, and suspended lights to installations and video. As well as a few surprises!

We are still hanging around in the 50's and 60`s for inspiration,  the ceramic lights have a touch of  nostalgia with some intricate detailing transforming the shapes into a glowing sculpture that suits many spaces especially apartments with its warm romantic ambience. So new they don`t have a name
left to right first three 360mm h x 110 dia, far right 340mm h x 145 dia

The Arts Menagerie doing the unthinkable..............for some
We`ve been fortunate in the last 35 years, without the orders, commissions, contracts, contacts, knowledge, retail outlets, artshows, customers, the goodwill and support of countless people none of it would have been possible.

Its time for fresh thinking as the economy falters at the mere sniffle of another analyst who still don`t want to remember GREED of the few got us into this mess.

Students are graduating every year, they really don`t have much of a chance and some never even get to start in a career they trained for. The creative industries seem to be that much harder

A few weeks ago we set up an Arts Organisation to be run with the help of other creatives, utilising our Ponsonby studio and exhibition spaces, run events, website, workshops, share our knowledge and collaborate with other creatives. Whether an arts student, professional, part time craft worker, a retired opera singer or someone who just needs to connect with their creative side.

The unthinkable
This is about giving something back, The Arts Menagerie is to be free to all.

This is no off the cuff idea, over the years I have been fortunate to meet entrepreneurs, academics, strategists, creatives  who have shared their ideas and encouragement. Those people as well as our existing Customers, Retailer buyers, Art show organisers and Designers who specify our products, helps makes this idea possible.


As I am also realist
To the tiny minority out there, of the small minded New Zealand knocking machine..............don`t.  
Its a very small country.

What better way to celebrate setting up The Arts Mengerie than with a photoshoot!  With a wide range of creatives it was always going to be more than just the usual group photo.
 Just call it French Steampunk Circus with a touch of Glam and serious intent.

We are planning more soon, stay in touch on Facebook or Meetup

At last! 60 hours of work finally achieved some results. The first program kept crashing while rendering the video, editing isn`t something that comes naturally, but at least I learnt some new skills if at times I wish I hadn`t started at all. Fortunately I was able to get find the music Fluid Azure by Pierre Gerwig Langer through Vimeo.com