Maungawera Valley artist and farmer Lizzie Carruthers has opened a new gallery with an exhibition inspired by a trip to Mou Waho Island.

Lizzie’s exhibition, ‘Predators and Prey’, was inspired by a trip to the island via ECO Wanaka Adventures with the Maungawera Whisky Appreciation Society.

ECO Wanaka owner Chris Riley’s knowledge of flora and fauna inspired Lizzie to take another angle on her long-standing interest in predators.

Trips to MIlford Sound where she saw native birds and a recent trip to Zealandia where she saw a Saddleback for the first time, were also an inspiration.

“It’s such iconic stuff and you don’t see it every day,” she said.

The old garage gallery.

Lizzie donated ten per cent of what sold on the exhibition’s opening night (more than $400) to Wanaka Backyard Trapping.

The exhibition is on until Saturday (July 31) at the Old Garage Gallery, 100 Maungawera Valley Road.

Lizzie said she is keen to have local artists use the gallery as an exhibition space.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App