Artists Annie Hampstead, Beth Strickland and Colette O'Kane are excited to announce the opening of our new pop up gallery + store Creative Us at 167 Thames Street, Oamaru.

Featuring original paintings, prints, wall-hangings, scarves, and gifts there is something for everyone.

We would love to see you down at the gallery store, so drop in and say hi!

Creative US
167 Thames Street
Oamaru

OPENING HOURS:
WEEKDAYS   10AM - 4PM
SATURDAYS  10AM - 2PM

​CLOSED TUESDAYS & SUNDAYS 

Happy New Year to all.  Let us focus on all the joys of life, for misery is easily found if that is our desire. Nothing better than art and literature, in all its forms, to uplift us and reflect to us how life really can be reimagined.

I have been ridiculously busy with the book and with painting and occasionally finding a moment to be a little bit social – much of it in the way of the times: chatting via Messenger!  Not quite the same as having a tall glass of icy, lime filled G&T with friends on a sunny day, but a second-class substitute for busy fools like me.

Having moved into my new Oamaru house last June, time had to be taken out to set up and get going again.  I have a studio at the front of the house now and it is a joy to be painting in there.  My big easel is up and I have almost finished a major work of colour and whimsical imagination, 220x120cm.  I also have my signs sorted but time and energy have stopped me putting them out for a while, however, I will get back into routine very soon.

Other than these things, I am trying to organize some art space in a downtown Oamaru shop, along with a couple of other artists.  Will keep you updated on the progress – or not!  Fingers crossed.

​For now, ka  kite.

A selection of my works will be at exhibition from January 10th until February 7th 2021 at the wonderful Art  on Tyne Gallery, here in Oamaru. Original paintings and some limited edition prints will be available to purchase.

Thanks to visiting son Rawhiti for hanging Na Hinemoana and some of the larger works. He also bought screen and new shelving and set everything up...while as often as I could I kept creating  Sh'boom! Harbour Street studio is starting to feel amazing! 

My idea of a break!

This recently completed work PLAYTIME recieved Highly Commended at the 2020 Colin Wheeler Art Competition. 

So much fun setting myself up at the Harbour Street Studio! This is a working artists' studio and gallery; still working out retail options. You'll find me here most days of the week - usually later in the afternoon.
Visitors can wander up any time via the Collective Cafe downstairs (open 7 days a week). You are welcome to come and check out the art, make purchase enquiries or just come and say hello. 

Gary & Sir Tim coming to The Manor Estate this Saturday 14th of September for a night of comedy. Liz Heenan of The Manor has asked me to hang my work for the occasion. Still a few tickets available - if you're in Oamaru come along - doors open 6.30pm!