FACES & PLACES

NEW HUB FOR ART LOVERS

Quay Art Gallery enjoyed a wonderful opening event at their new gallery in Whitford Village in January. The event was well attended and supported by Howick, Whitford, Beachlands and Maraetai locals who enjoyed a champagne as they viewed the incredible work by Quay Galleries 40+ New Zealand artists. The gallery is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday with gallery and in-home viewings by appointment Sunday – Wednesday. Nicki and Grant invite you to visit and enjoy the art and the gallery space.

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1: Mark, Jordan and Lisa Smith; 2: Mel Beattie, Natalie Driver, Nicki Richards; 3: Kalim Richards; 4: Grant Richards, Simran; 5: Wok Stehr, Richard Driver, Glenn Beattie; 6: Gaye Jurisich.

CONTEMPORARY & FINE ART

April Exhibition: ‘MOIL’ by Gaye Jurisich Abstract Works Event opening with Champagne Friday 1 April – 5-7pm 7A Whitford Wharf Road quaygallery.co.nz

You can find Emma at www.ohthatssocrafty. co.nz; Howick Village Market (inside the information centre) every Saturday. Fb: Oh That’s So Crafty; Insta: ohthatssocrafty

THE FUNNY PLATE LADY

Emma Smith, the creative face behind Oh That’s So Crafty found that the first covid lockdown provided her a perfect opportunity to follow her dreams. Being unemployed and a dog lover, she started making personalised dog bandanas that made a cool pet pooch statement. She says it was her cousin who asked her to make a funny plate for her mum that changed the equation.

“I’ve always been up for a challenge so I jumped at the chance to try something new. And now I’ve become known as the ‘funny plate lady’—that’s the best job title ever in my book,” says Emma who soon started selling her quirky plates at markets around Auckland, including the Howick Village Market.

Soon she built a website and now she’s busier than ever with orders coming in from all around the country. “It’s been amazing,” she says.

Emma sources all the plates from charity shops, second-hand and antique shops around Aotearoa, with over 90 per cent of them sourced from hospice shops. “I’ve chosen hospice because most of us know someone, a friend, or family member who has needed their service at a really difficult time. So, indirectly my customers are supporting the amazing work they do.”

Emma says she loves spending days shopping for pretty vintage plates and designing the quotes. “More than that it’s the response I get from people when they walk past my market stall. I get such a kick out of them reading my plates and laughing. I had one lady tell me that she’d recently lost a close family member to cancer and it was the first time she’d laughed in weeks. For me that’s what it’s all about. We are currently living in such uncharted territory and if I can make people laugh that’s a win for me,” she says.

SUNDAY MARKETS

Sunday 6th March – Ewelme Cottage, Parnell Sunday 13th March – Highwic, Epsom Sunday 20th March – Alberton, Mt Albert

Weddings – Birthdays or any special occasions

RED SHED PALAZZO

WINNER Rural Cafe of the Year. Recommending this cafe is easy – the food and service are that good and directions couldn’t be more straight forward: head along Karaka Rd and look out for the big... red shed! Along with their team, Paul (a chef with 30 years’ experience) and Kristina Smith serve quality food amidst beautiful, family and animal friendly, garden surrounds. Creative breakfasts, morning and afternoon teas, gourmet-style lunches and moreish cakes are all on offer at this fully licensed slice of rural paradise. OPEN 5 days 8.30am-4.00pm Wednesday-Sunday

16 Jesmond Rd (just off Karaka Rd), Drury Phone 09 294 6687 www.redshedpalazzo.co.nz PalazzoRed Shed

KAT5299-v39

YOURS AFFECTIONATELY

Cathie Harrop and Jennie Khan bring the history of Ewelme Cottage, Highwic and Alberton historic homesteads to life. Over three weekends in March, the pair tells the stories of the ladies of the Lush, Buckland and Kerr Taylor families, people who left their imprint on 19th century Auckland society. While Cathie weaves words into evocative pictures, the ambience will be enhanced with Jennie’s musical arrangements for her cello. Performances start 4.30pm. Tickets $35 pp, per event. Bookings essential. All Covid-19 guidelines apply.

To book or for more information phone 09 479 2361 or 021 116 8428 www.cathieharrop.com