Fresh Gallery, Otara is a new community art gallery opening this week in the Otara Shopping Centre and will showcase work by emerging and established local artists. The launch exhibition, which runs from 27 May to 24 June, will feature artists born and raised in Otara. It includes work from promising secondary school students, art teachers and established artists.

Image: Pacific Arts Co-ordinator Ema Tavola - working with the Otara arts community.Fresh Gallery, Otara is a new community art gallery opening this week in the Otara Shopping Centre and will showcase work by emerging and established local artists. The launch exhibition, which runs from 27 May to 24 June, will feature artists born and raised in Otara. It includes work from promising secondary school students, art teachers and established artists.

Image: Pacific Arts Co-ordinator Ema Tavola - working with the Otara arts community.The Gallery will be open Tuesday to Friday 10am - 5pm and Saturday 8am - 2pm, to coincide with the famous Otara Markets.

Council's Pacific Arts Co-ordinator Ema Tavola, who helped make the gallery project a reality says:

"There are so many talented, creative people living in Otara. We now have a great venue to celebrate our culture and encourage our emerging artists."

What: Fresh Gallery Otara
When: Official Opening 26 May, then Launch Exhibition opens to the public Saturday 27 May to 24 June
Where: Shop 5, 46 Fairmall, Otara Town Centre

The opening of the Fresh gallery in Otara is made possible through a partnership between Manukau City Council and the Otara Community, including the Otara Economic Development Trust.

Ema Tavola, Council's Pacific Arts Co-ordinator will be based at the gallery. An artist of Fijian and New Zealand Pakeha descent, Ema is passionate about raising the profile of the Pacific art scene in Manukau and believes the gallery has huge potential for the exchange of cultural and artistic ideas.

If you wish to visit the new gallery please contact Naomi Singer, Manukau Arts Marketing Co-ordinator, phone 027-272-8445.