Arts trust celebrates opening of new gallery and restoration of old BNZ bank building

Visitors enjoyed the gallery's opening day on April 27.

The restoration of an old building, as well as an art exhibition, was a drawcard for visitors to Raetihi's new art gallery.

Anthea Hatfield and Bernice Frost have set up the Raetihi Arts Trust Gallery in the former BNZ building on the corner of Seddon and Duncan Sts. About $100,000 was spent on the restoration and the trust was awarded a $57,000 grant from Lottery Environment and Heritage for work to restore the building's exterior.

The gallery had its official opening on Saturday, April 27.

"Everyone was thrilled to bits, including ourselves," Hatfield said.

"Lots of people gave us a hug for fixing up the old bank. That was more special to some people - they wanted to thank us for resurrecting the building.

"The paintings look fabulous. The whole space looks great. We're thrilled with how people responded to it. I thought it was super."

The opening attracted locals and people from out of town, including one man from the United States who was impressed by the space, Hatfield said.

The restored former bank building is a stunning venue for Raetihi Art Trust Gallery's first exhibition.