Auckland has some of the best art galleries on offer in the South Pacific.
1. Auckland Art Gallery, Cnr Wellesley and Lorne Sts, (09) 307 7700, info (09) 379 1349
With the historic main building closed for development until 2011, Auckland Art Gallery is still running from the New Gallery over the road. To make up for lack of space, it has also gone virtual with a revamped website. And the treat to go with the Goldie and Lindauer exhibition is Whakamiharo Lindauer Online: a community website with stories, letters and information about the people in more than 60 Lindauer portraits (and an invitation for more contributions). lindaueronline.co.nz. The Walters Prize exhibits are there till October 3. Open daily 10am-5pm. aucklandartgallery.com
2. Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts, 13 Reeves Rd, Pakuranga, (09) 577 0138
The public art gallery for Manukau City shows local and international artists with vigorous education and participation programmes, community events, art classes and more. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. tetuhi.org.nz
3. The TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, Pah Homestead, Hillsborough Rd
Auckland's newest gallery, the restored historic building in Monte Cecilia Park, opened on August 15. It is the permanent home of the James Wallace Arts Trust and its opening exhibition, from September 6, will be the 19th Annual Wallace Art Awards. The house is also home to a University of Otago Artist in Residence, usually a writer or musician. The gallery is open Tue-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 11am to 5pm. wallaceartstrust.org.nz
4. Lopdell House Gallery, Cnr Titirangi and South Titirangi Rds, (09) 817 8087
Waitakere City's Regional Art Gallery, located in the heart of Titirangi, is the home of the annual Portage Ceramic Awards. And you can pop over to the newly restored Colin McCahon house nearby. Open daily from 10am-4.30pm.
5. Gus Fisher Gallery, The Kenneth Myers Centre, 74 Shortland St, City
The Gus Fisher Gallery is part of the University of Auckland and exhibits contemporary and historical art with a focus on New Zealand and the wider Pacific area. It is also used for teaching and learning, performances, readings and talks focusing on the development of postgraduate study in the visual arts.
Art school finds
Public galleries attached to the city's art schools are the places to see exciting emerging artists.
* George Fraser Gallery
25a Princes St, City, ph (09) 367 7163. Open Thu-Sat, 11am-4pm. The public exhibiting space for Elam School of Fine Arts.
* St Paul Street Galleries
40 St Paul St, and Gallery Three on Symonds St, AUT, ph (09) 921 9999, ext 8313. Open Tue-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 12pm-4pm. This trio of galleries shows both contemporary art and design from students and staff plus international artists.
* Objectspace
8 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby, ph (09) 376 6216. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Dedicated to innovative craft and design including ceramics, embroidery and furniture.
