Local artist Gemma Antoniadis opens collective pop-up shop for fellow creatives

Local artist Gemma Antoniadis has set up In-House Collective to give local creatives the opportunity to showcase their work. Photo / Caitlan Johnston

A local artist has opened a pre-Christmas pop-up shop for small businesses.

Always with Jessica owner Gemma Antoniadis has set up the In-House Collective pop-up store on 41 Alexandra St which opens today.

Gemma says the pop-up creates a space for small businesses to sell their items and products.

"We have people selling kids' clothes, crystal candles, honey, splash work from artists, earrings made out of tyre inners, natural skin products and even funky aprons," says Gemma.

The idea for the temporary store came to Gemma three weeks ago.

"I am an artist with heaps of stuff, and I needed a platform to sell from. Thinking of other small businesses I then wondered if I could get other people involved too," says Gemma.

A selection of some of the products that are for sale at In-House Collective. Photo / Caitlan Johnston

Currently there are 34 small businesses involved.

Artists who will be selling their original art pieces include popular Kuwi the Kiwi author Kat Merewether, symbolist artist Santie Cronje and Mountain View Pottery NZ.

"This helps those small businesses to make money for Christmas especially with the struggles of Covid this year," says Gemma.

"All they have to do is pay $20 per week and any added commission goes back to them."

Gemma acknowledges Vayle Hammond from First National and her mother Debbie Antoniadis who were both instrumental in the process of setting up the shop.

Opening hours in November will be from Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm.

Doors will open on the weekends in December and will run until Christmas Eve.