The sea and shabby chic on show in Carterton

ART IS NIGH: Justine Eldred with some of the art featured in the exhibition Nigh at Heart of Arts. PHOTO: Corrinne Oliver.

The ocean, longing for serenity and the importance of recycling are encapsulated in Carterton writer and performer Justine Eldred's new project.

Mrs Eldred, founder of Tangle Community Dance Company, has launched Nigh, an exhibition and pop-up shop hosted by Toi Wairarapa -- the first major showing at its new creative hub, Heart of Arts, in Carterton.

The pop-up shop is a feast of 'shabby chic'; second hand, vintage household items typically found in a rustic Kiwi bach or seaside cabins.

Mrs Eldred will continue the pop-up shop from her home, with funds collected supporting her while she completes her children's novel, also titled Nigh.

She said she chose the ocean theme for the project as it mirrors the themes in her book, set in a world where flora and fauna have been destroyed and the sea has been exiled.

"It reflects yearning for the ocean," Mrs Eldred said.

"It's reflective of me as well, as the ocean is where I find peace.

"If I'm upset, my husband sends me to the beach for a couple of hours."

The recycled items also reflect the environmental themes in her novel, which hints at the importance of protecting waterways.

"In buying something for their bach, people can do good for the planet by choosing something which may have otherwise been thrown away.

"It's about recycling, reusing and re-loving."

So far, Mrs Eldred has sourced a range of items for the shop, such as painted china, 70s smoked glassware, crystal vases, mantelpiece ornaments, and mirrors decorated with shells.

She has also collected old furniture, which she is repainting in a beach-themed colour scheme.

As part of the Nigh project, she hopes to invite local artists to contribute to the furniture repainting, adding their own designs and motifs.

"A lot of people can't afford to buy artwork -- but they'd be more likely to buy a functional piece with an artistic flavour," Mrs Eldred said.

In addition, she plans to help other creative people set up their own pop-up shops to help them bring in an income while devoting time to their projects.

Nigh also includes an exhibition from various Wairarapa artists and Mrs Eldred's close friends, including painters Victoria Cassells, Ella Kokx and Maria Parr, photographers Esther Bunning and Wref Hann, jewellery designer Angie van Maanen and poet Robin List.

"We're all each other's muses."

As well as Nigh, Mrs Eldred is busy producing a series of dance pieces with Tangle called As You Like Dreaming, based on the idea of dreams and visions.

Her latest show, filmed for Youtube, was inspired by the imaginings of a friend with autism, and featured dancers as angelic birds.

"It was heavenly -- my youngest bird was about six, and my oldest was 84."

She and photographer, Ms Bunning are also working on a coffee table book, titled The Patron Saint of Depression and Other Survival Stories, including photographs and stories of people recovering from mental illness.