Light, white and welcoming, it has an intimate exhibition space set out in such a way that you can browse without feeling watched.
Often on show are paintings by talented, emerging artists—sometimes solo, sometimes within small groups.
Maori and Pacific Island artists are well represented; the gallery director was one of the first to explore the Pacific theme in a mainstream art setting.
Significantly, The Lane Gallery also carries works on paper. A flick through the print stand in the back gallery reveals a veritable feast of affordable, original art.
Score a Tom Burnett screen-print to evoke summer. Jenny Dolezel’s quirky mezzotints will appeal to those with a sense of humour; as will Margie Sheppard’s soft, dreamy etchings.
John Drawbridge, Dagmar Dyck and Rodney Fumpston are represented; Tony Ogle, whose New Zealand landscape screen-prints are positively iconic; and Cynthia Taylor’s symbol-rich etchings, with their detailed feathers, kina and curling fern fronds.
Among emerging print artists’ works, Tracey Williams’ hand-coloured silk-screens, feminine and witty, would make great wedding gifts.
The emphasis on works on paper provides another whole layer of experience to The Lane Gallery. With a bit of poking around, everyone will find something they like—if not hanging on the gallery walls or on plinths displaying ceramics and glass, then in a print draw.