Mezze Bar
Cuisine: Pacific Rim, Mediterranean
During the day the Mezze Bar is a popular coffee and lunch spot. In the evenings it is an unpretentious place to enjoy a glass of wine and perhaps a tasty meal from the Mediterranean and Pacific Rim inspired blackboard menu. There are wooden tables and chairs, a comfortable sofa and a wood-burning stove. A small deck is located off the main bar. The atmosphere is conducive to conversation; equally you would feel comfortable coming in here alone. Wines are the main attraction, with a wide selection of local labels available.
With a decidedly bohemian ambiance and a location directly opposite Albert Park, The Black Crow draws many students, business people and arty types from the surrounding galleries. The Black Crow is relaxed-yet the service is fast and friendly. With original art on the walls and ethnic-style geometric paintings and decorations, The Black Crow harks back to the original alternative coffee houses of Soho and Greenwich Village in the early 1960s. The all-day breakfast is popular. The food is wholesome, attractively set out and very tasty. They offer a full range of coffees.
This small and elegantly understated dealer gallery overlooks the trees of lower Albert Park. Art here tends to be intellectual, sophisticated and avant-garde. Anna Bibby Gallery represents such well regarded artists as Emily Wolfe, Denys Watkins, Stanley Palmer, Peter Robinson, Luise Fong, Seraphine Pick and also supports up and coming younger artists as a balance.
A competent example of understated but refined post-modern refurbishment, the New Gallery opened in 1995 in the former city telephone exchange building. Funded by the Auckland Contemporary Art Trust, it houses the contemporary collection of the Auckland Art Gallery. Come here to be challenged with new art, different ideas, new media and a fresh approach.
The Gallery contains the largest and most comprehensive collection of New Zealand and international art in the country. First opened in 1888, this Victorian building is in French Chateau style. The city rotates displays of its own collections (14th century to the present) as well as showing international exhibitions. Free guided tours run at 2p daily. There is also a research library, a shop and café. Admission: Permanent exhibitions are free. A cover charge applies to special exhibitions.
Te Taumata Art Gallery deals in the excellence of indigenous art, exhibiting works of emerging and established Maori New Zealand artists. Ranging from oils on canvas, sculptures in wood or stone, ceramics or woven flax, mediums reflect Maori art in both contemporary and traditional methods-to suit all individual tastes. Te Taumata also offers a selection of bone carvings and pounamu (greenstone/jade) jewellery for that special gift or souvenir.
Jonathan Grant Galleries were established in 1984, specialising mainly in 19th and 20th century English and continental paintings. They also deal in antipodean painting and historical New Zealand watercolours. Some more recent New Zealand artists found at Jonathan Grant include Jan Nigro (painting), Josephine Davis, Ion Brown and Ken Kendall (bronze sculpture). The Galleries also provide a specialised conservation and restoration service, valuations, an art consulting service, and they make gold-leafed frames. In 1988 the galleries were expanded to include Artis Gallery next door, specialising in contemporary New Zealand work, and Dilana Artists' Rugs--a permanent display in "the Basement".
This gallery was built in 1984 by the Pakuranga Art Society, and is located alongside the Pakuranga Shopping Centre. Regular exhibitions are held here, including those of paintings, sculpture, glass art and jewellery design by contemporary New Zealand artists and others, in several spacious gallery rooms. The gallery offers a lively programme in community art, and design classes in well equipped studios. Guests can avail of the lounge during exhibitions, for a membership fee. Admission is free to one and all.
This gallery provides a comprehensive selection of New Zealand and international paintings, prints and sculpture. With up to 20 exhibitions each year, and a continuously rotating stock collection within the generous 3,000 foot gallery space, the Studio of Contemporary art is an essential stop for anyone seriously interested in New Zealand art. Founded by Joy Tongue and built on a foundation of education and expertise, trained professionals are constantly present to consult and assist interested parties. The studio has experience in creating corporate collections. Their expertise in packaging and cartage services makes the transport of artworks overseas affordable and practical.
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