Artists and organisers are celebrating the success of the Arts Collective pop-up gallery, which attracted a daily average of 100 visitors and saw impressive sales over its eight-week run from early December to the end of January.

The Arts Collective Exhibition, held in the former Dick Smith building on the lower Strand (next to Robert Harris), became a local hotspot, offering a diverse showcase of art and crafts.

The gallery was brought to life through the collaboration of David Poole from the Arts Forum, Sue Whale, president of Arts Whakatāne, and Pam Mossman, from the Whakatāne Society for Arts and Crafts.

Poole, who secured the venue for the pop-up, said sales reached an impressive $30,000 during the exhibition’s run, with 70 artists contributing their works to the space.

It showcased a wide range of art, from paintings to pottery, and crafts to sculpture, and the price range suited everyone, he said.

There was a huge diversity of artists, too: Two young artists aged only seven and nine had their crafts and pottery on show – their works flying out the door they were so popular.

The gallery’s central location, with its spacious windows on both sides, was a contributing factor to its success, said Poole.

“We averaged around 100 visitors a day. It worked really well as a collective involving the three arts’ organisations.”

Mossman said the show turned out far better than they expected and had a great buzz throughout.

“We had a lot of members of the arts groups, but also artists who don’t normally have their art in local establishments.”

She said it was a wonderful bonding experience for all the artists, drawing members of the arts community who don’t usually show together.

“We sold so much artwork, and we had locals come to view it but also many visitors.”

Whale said she was also very pleased with the gallery’s success, which she described as a “joyous experience”.

“My motivation was to help local artists and craftspeople, and since a very kind businessman offered us the space free of rent, we rushed to organise it in one week.”

Despite the demanding timing – just after the completion of Arts Whakatāne’s Garden and Art Trail and with the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award preparations under way – Whale said members of the arts’ group stepped up to help set up the space and staff the shop.

The pop-up gallery also served as a much-needed fundraising opportunity for Arts Whakatāne, Whale said. “We raised funds through a raffle, T-shirt sales, and a share of the commission from the artwork sold.”

The community’s overwhelming support and positive feedback were the highlights.

“We all felt that we did a good thing for our community. We hope that another kind businessperson will offer us another suitable free space next summer.”