The Lake Rotom\u0101 gallery\u2019s return will be celebrated with a Matariki exhibition running from Friday to July 26, from 10am to 4.30pm.<\/p>\n
It joins a packed Matariki programme across Rotorua, including the Aronui Arts Festival Drone Show and Te Puia\u2019s dawn Hautapu ceremony. <\/p>\n
Kemp said the gallery was a \u201cpretty busy place once upon a time\u201d, operating for about a decade before Covid-19 forced it to close.<\/p>\n
He had noticed a shortage of galleries in Rotorua and said \u201cplenty of stoppers\u201d still told him about times they had visited his gallery years ago.<\/p>\n
Twelve artists from around New Zealand will showcase up to 80 works at the exhibition, including paintings and large-scale sculptures.<\/p>\n
Among them are Ruatoki activist and artist Tame Iti, Gisborne sculptor Brian Wright, Wellington artist Davey McGee and Takapuna-based carver Natanahira Pona.<\/p>\n
Works by Kemp, his wife Sherie and son Teimah would feature.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll three of us will be carving while the show is on, so people will get to see us at mahi,\u201d Kemp said.<\/p>\n
Kemp also added a new indoor space for smaller artworks and paintings. The gallery previously only had outdoor sculpture.<\/p>\n
Kemp had more than 30 years of experience and was self-taught.<\/p>\n
He passed on his skills to Sherie and Teimah. <\/p>\n
Seeing them follow his same path had been \u201cpretty special\u201d, he said.<\/p>\n
Sherie had been carving for about seven years, while Teimah, 26, first picked up carving tools as a child at sculpture events alongside his father. He has been carving full time for about five years.<\/p>\n
Kemp liked to \u201ctell the stories of our world\u201d, describing his work as contemporary modern-day M\u0101ori art.<\/p>\n
He primarily used wood and stone. <\/p>\n
Teimah Kemp works on a new piece ahead of the opening of Kemp Gallery and its Matariki exhibition.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re lucky in this country, you know, the materials [are] everywhere,\u201d Kemp said.<\/p>\n
The family had exhibited their art around New Zealand, including at last year\u2019s Sculpture OnShore. Kemp said the event was the country\u2019s largest sculpture exhibition.<\/p>\n
Kemp planned to keep the gallery open on weekends and for appointments following the Matariki exhibition. He expected more opening hours over summer.<\/p>\n
Kemp believed art connected with people for deeply personal reasons and that his family\u2019s works created \u201cpositive vibrations\u201d.<\/p>\n
He hoped those walking through the gallery would not only enjoy the art but also get a glimpse into \u201cthe crazy mind of the artist\u201d.<\/p>\n
Kemp Gallery will mark its reopening with a Matariki exhibition running from Friday to July 26.<\/p>\n
More celebrations<\/p>\n
Aronui Arts Festival Matariki Drone Show<\/a><\/p>\n A record 550 drones are expected to light up the skies above Rotorua\u2019s Lakefront. <\/p>\n July 9 to 11 from 8pm. Free entry. <\/p>\n Rotorua Night Market <\/p>\n An expanded market with kai, crafts and stalls, coinciding with the Drone Show at the Rotorua Lakefront. <\/p>\n Runs from 5pm to 9pm on July 9, and from 1pm to 9pm the following two days.<\/p>\n Matariki Soak, Sip and Show at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa<\/p>\n A hosted restorative journey with prime viewing of the Drone Show. Designed to soothe the body and ground the wairua (spirit). <\/p>\n Limited to 16 guests each evening on July 9, 10 and 11.<\/p>\n Under The Stars 2026: A Matariki Exhibition <\/p>\n An exhibition including a diverse collection of works by local artists, including Toni-Marie Jennings and Mokoia Intermediate \u0101konga, at The Arts Village on Hinemaru St. <\/p>\n July 9, 5.30pm to 7pm. <\/p>\n Te P\u014d Kitakita, Matariki 2026<\/p>\n A free evening of toi, creativity and community connection, including live music and hands-on M\u0101ori art activities, at The Arts Village on Hinemaru St.<\/p>\n July 9 from 4pm to 7pm.<\/p>\n Ng\u0101 Whet\u016b P\u012bata o te Rangi<\/p>\n Six of Te Arawa\u2019s leading kapa haka r\u014dp\u016b will take the stage at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Tickets are available through booking.<\/p>\n July 9 from 6pm.<\/p>\n Matariki Hautapu Ceremony<\/p>\n Te Puia\u2019s free sacred dawn ceremony of remembrance, gratitude and renewal.<\/p>\n Held on July 10. Tickets are required.<\/p>\n Wh\u0101nau Fun Day at Te Puia<\/p>\n An interactive celebration for the whole family with activities and entertainment. <\/p>\n Held on July 10. Tickets are required.<\/p>\n Luke Whaanga Matariki Celebration<\/p>\n Local artist and songwriter Luke Whaanga is performing at O-Town Tavern, Ohinemutu. <\/p>\n The performance starts at 8pm on July 10. Email O-Town Tavern for tickets.<\/p>\n Vol.9 Matariki Mixtape <\/p>\n Internationally acclaimed Polynesian DJs<\/a> Thomas Rose and Ethan James will headline a boutique sunset-to-nightfall set as part of the Aronui Matariki Drone Show. <\/p>\n Tickets are required for the July 11 performance at Terrace Kitchen.<\/p>\n