Every Monday, the Chronicle fires 10 questions at a local to find out what makes them tick. This week Liz Wylie put some questions to Space Studio and Gallery owner Sarah Williams.
You recently completed
the Whanganui Riverbank parkrun for the first time. How was it?
Yes, I was inspired by a friend to start running around five months ago to train for the 5km parkrun. It was great as a new runner to have a goal to work towards and to run a race for the first time in such a beautiful environment with such lovely encouraging people and volunteers. If you've never participated, I would highly recommend it - you don't have to run it [you can walk].
Do you have a taste for running now and will you be competing in other events?
I have felt the health and wellbeing benefits of regular exercise and will continue this journey - a 10km run has been bantered about but it might be a wee way off yet. I am also very keen to explore and participate in other parkruns around the country (there are 35 around the country to choose from).
Did you head out of town over the Christmas break and, if so, where did you go?
Rather than making larger travel plans this year, I focused on enjoying Whanganui and nearby locations. My highlights were swimming in the ocean at Castlecliff and day tramps to the Taranaki Falls at Whakapapa, Waitonga Falls at Ohakune, and the scenic Rangiwahia Reserve. I was inspired by the beauty I saw and very keen to keep exploring my own country a lot better.
As a gallery owner, how have you managed during almost two years of Covid restrictions and how has it been for your exhibiting artists?
The Covid-19 pandemic has come with its challenges and frustrations. Naturally, as an exhibition and events venue, we have had exhibitions and events either cancelled or rescheduled [multiple times] due to the lockdowns. However, we have seen a huge growth in online sales and visitation to our website hits nationally and internationally and feel our artists have still been supported during this time. I really thank my artists for their patience and continued support through such a challenging time.