In most galleries, you admire the art from a distance. At the Artē Collective, you can talk to the artists who created it.

One of the six founding artists will be on site every day when the gallery opens, giving visitors a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the creative process.

Andi Regan, who co-founded the collective with Sue Rutherford, Jenny Chisholm, Lizzie Carruthers, Briar Hardy-Hesson, and Sophie Melville, says this personal, accessible approach sets it apart from traditional galleries.

“We want people to feel completely comfortable, whether they’re seasoned collectors or just curious,” Andi said. 

“‘Just looking’ is always welcome.”

Even though its space is small - the Arte Collective is located in one of the cabins which form The Green, a new commercial precinct in Luggate - there is plenty to see.

Andi’s own work utilises everyday objects and transforms them into forms that celebrate New Zealand’s natural environment. Visiting the Artē Collective, the Wānaka App got to see her kina art made from cable ties, and birds - kahu, kea and godwits - crafted from dyed nylon sheets.

Freshly hung works at Artē Collective, showcasing a mix of media from six local artists. PHOTO: Supplied

Her pieces share the walls and surfaces with Jenny’s vivid Central Otago landscapes, Sue’s exploration of natural forms with ceramics, Lizzie’s expressive, personality-rich animal portraits, Briar’s colourful jewellery art, and Sophie’s emotive watercolour landscapes.

Seeing the work hung over the weekend was a milestone for a project Andi had long hoped to bring to life. 

She and two fellow members had previously been part of a similar collective in Cromwell, but high rents in Wānaka had made a similar venture closer to home impossible. When development began at The Green, Andi contacted developer Stuart Pinfold, and the Artē Collective was born.

“Stuart has been incredibly supportive,” Andi said. “He believed in what we were trying to build and encouraged us from the beginning. 

“We’re grateful to be part of this new precinct alongside other small, locally owned businesses.”

Small works on display. PHOTO: Supplied

The Arte Collective will hold its launch event on October 10 from 4pm-7pm, with live music from the Dirty Money duo, wine from local sponsors, and a joint celebration with the pottery studio next door. Everyone is welcome. 

It will then be open seven days a week, with one of the artists on hand each day to welcome visitors, answer questions, and share insights into their creative process. Exhibitions will rotate every few months, giving people a reason to return and discover something new.