SHE SHED ARTIST - Phoebe Gander

Eight garden venues have been lovingly tended and the studios set up ahead of the biggest ever She Shed Tour happening at Wainui, Okitu and Makorori Gisborne on Sunday.

“There are 40 artists working hard to get their work finished in time and even if there is rain it won't put a dampener on what has become the highlight of the year for those taking part,” says She Shed Tour co-founder, mosaic artist Cheryl Scott.

“This year we have a new venue and five top-notch new artists and there are still tickets available,” she says.

The She Shed Tour includes a variety of artists including painters, potters, fabric artists, woodworkers and more.

“All the regular artists strive to make different things to keep things fresh, so even if you have been before, there will be a whole new range of products,” Cheryl says.

“I'm really excited that more and more out-of-towners are hearing about this event. It's wonderful to showcase Gisborne as having such a strong art base, along with wonderful beaches.

“We're also excited to celebrate spring. The gardens are looking awesome, and at the end of the day it is a wonderful community day out that supports local artists and local charities.”

Painter Phoebe Gander is almost ready for the event but was still putting a few finishing touches yesterday to the variety of oil and acrylic paintings she will display in her Wainui garden as one of the hosts.

“This year I have done a lot of oil landscapes and still life paintings where I play with light and shadow.”

Phoebe has been part of the tour since 2019 when she sold resin paintings in Cheryl's garden. The proceeds of that event were enough for her to build a small art studio in the garden with the help of her husband Tim. Three years later, she now works in a studio in the city and sells her art online.

“We work towards this event all year and once it is over we will start thinking about the next one,” she says.

The She Shed Tour began in 2015 and has become a popular event on Gisborne's art calendar.

Venues include Cheryl's Wainui art studio where she makes mosaic pieces. A number of other artists will set up in her large and colourful garden.

Other venues on the tour include studios in Okitu and two in Makorori. People can start anywhere and don't have to follow any set route.

The artists' tour started seven years ago when Cheryl came up with the idea to produce a coffee table book of a group of women artists who had their studios at Wainui and Makorori.

“We took pictures of their quirky spaces and the things they create. The book was so well received I then felt why we don't open up our studios, our own She Sheds, so that people can come and see for themselves.”

The first tour showcased eight women artists and attracted about 250 people. Over time it has grown with ticket sales now capped at 1200.

The proceeds of ticket sales will be split between two charities — Tairāwhiti Adventure Trust and Mutts and Moggies.

The event also funds a scholarship for students going on to study art at a tertiary level. This year the Peggy Ericson She Shed Scholarship, named in memory of the late She Shed co-founder and artist, was awarded to Lytton High School student Nicole van de Water. She is going to Wellington to study for a Bachelor of Design, majoring in concept design at Massey University.

“We are all very proud of this event, feedback is always so positive,” Cheryl said. “It's a big effort to organise but worth it in so many ways.”

Filmed and Edited by
Ben Cowper

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[SubarcticWildflower]

Yes❤ Balance between being mommy and being purely and individually yourself is so important.

[HabsGeorge]

Hi, would it be hard for artists to paint one of your scenes in side of my new shed? Like the scene at 1.40. something with ocean waves coming in, sun in sky and horizon. Shed is 20 feet long by 8 foot high. Thanks George