A Dunedin artist has realised a longtime goal by opening a gallery and studio in the area in which she grew up.<\/p>\n
Visual artist Ana Teofilo is putting the final touches on the eponymous Prince Albert Rd space ahead of tonight\u2019s opening.<\/p>\n
She said she had been dreaming of her own space for a long time and when the opportunity came, she took it.<\/p>\n
“I was really busy with my own practice as an artist, but it\u2019s all fallen into place.<\/p>\n
“It\u2019s where I grew up, so it\u2019s nice to be planted in South Dunedin.<\/p>\n
“I knew that all the works that I\u2019ve created this year would be perfect in this space.”<\/p>\n
A lot of planning had made it possible and the prospect of opening the space was “exciting and nerve-racking”, she said.<\/p>\n
She hoped it would boost awareness of other Pasifika creatives.<\/p>\n
“But any creatives … you can have your own space and promote your work, sell your work,” Ms Teofilo said.<\/p>\n
Her favourite piece on display was\u00a0Lanu Musika, meaning “colour music”, made of 72 decorated, interconnected panels, which she created while at art school.<\/p>\n
It had sat in storage for years but had “found its new home” on the studio wall.<\/p>\n
It was quite emotional hanging the piece \u2014 she felt she was a different artist to her younger self, Ms Teofilo said.<\/p>\n
She also planned to hold carving workshops in the studio.<\/p>\n