Cityscape took a look over some of the The Central Art Gallery's pieces and chatted with its director, Jonathan Smart.

Tell us more about the families behind the gallery – who are they, how did it come about? There are five Christchurch families behind the Gallery – all wishing to see a sustainable commercial gallery for contemporary art established within the new city centre. And although the Arts Centre is a gem of an historical precinct, the graceful context of the old University library is a pretty good one for contemporary NZ art.

What exciting exhibitions are coming? Anything you can tease us with? Exciting exhibitions in the coming months include solo shows by much loved Christchurch sculptors Neil Dawson and Bing Dawe, with local printmaker Fiona van Oyen and celebrated artist John Pule sharing the space between – both presenting vibrant new flora-based work. A good example of what Fiona van Oyen is exhibiting is her work 'Floating'.

Local upcoming artists to keep an eye on? Simon Edwards – with his subtle variations on local land, sea and skyscapes – is making wonderful work currently. We are excited to announce a small catalogue, a publication around his exhibition of new painting late this year.

What sort of art should a beginner investor be looking at? They should come in and enjoy browsing the racks and the works-on-paper drawers here at The Central. They should just make a little time to scope an exhibition or two here at the Gallery, and chat with Lisa or Laura, the Gallery team. Talking about artworks, about what you see and what you feel, will make decisions about potential purchase a lot easier, and a lot more fun.

Do you have a favourite piece of public art in the city at the moment? What is it and why? My favourite public work in the city has not yet been re-installed post-quake. Neil Dawson’s 'Echo' was the piece suspended in the sky above the North Quad of the Arts Centre – first commissioned way back in 1984. It’d be great to see it back up again!

Congratulations on the galleries first two years - what do the next two years look like for the gallery? More of the same for us: presenting handsome looking shows; supporting artists with commerce; and making those exhibitions come to life for the myriad folk who make the effort to come into the Arts Centre and scope them!

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