Contemporary Māori sculptor and master carver Joe Kemp has reopened his Lake Rotomā gallery with a major Matariki exhibition showcasing more than 80 works by 15 artists from around New Zealand.

The Matariki Exhibition opened over Matariki weekend at the Kemp Whānau Gallery overlooking Lake Rotomā, and continues until July 26, with the gallery open daily from 10am to 4.30pm. Entry is by koha.

Kemp said the exhibition featured a diverse collection of paintings, indoor and outdoor sculptures, carvings and pounamu, with all works available for purchase.

Joining him in the exhibition are his wife, Sherie, and son, Teimah, alongside a strong line-up of established artists including Rūātoki artist Tame Iti, Gisborne sculptor Brian Wright, Wellington sculptor Davey McGee, Takapuna-based carver Natanahira Pona, Kawerau artist Legion Arahanga, Whakatāne painter John Christensen, Craig and Lisa Thompson of Rotomā, Tauranga sculptor Rex O’Brien, and Rotorua carver Rakei Kingi, and sculptors Trevor Nathan and Mike Smith.

Reopening the gallery during Matariki carries special significance for Kemp.

“Matariki is a time to embrace new challenges, like reopening our gallery. It’s also a time to reflect on those we have loved and lost, while celebrating the whānau and friends who are part of our lives now.”

The gallery last hosted a major exhibition in 2012, after which it remained open until 2017.

“That exhibition was a great success and really opened our eyes,” Kemp said.

Over the years, they have had plenty of visitors stop by but not always had enough work to show them.

Since then, the family’s artistic journey has grown.

“My wife, Sherie, and son, Teimah, have both taken up sculpting, which has been such a positive move for our whānau.”

The three artistsw exhibit through Kura Gallery in Auckland and Wellington, as well as Art by the Sea Gallery in Takapuna.

“We have been exhibitors for the last five years at Art in the Park at Eden Park in Auckland, and in last year’s NZ Sculpture OnShore show in Takapuna, New Zealand’s biggest sculpture show held every two years to fundraise for Women’s Refuge.”

Kemp believes the time is right to establish the gallery as a destination for sculpture lovers.

“There isn’t a gallery dedicated to sculpture in the Bay of Plenty, so our goal is to be that gallery to visit if you are a visitor or Kiwi who loves art and is looking to see beautiful taonga.”

Following the exhibition, the Kemp Whānau Gallery will continue to open on fine-weather weekends, and at other times by appointment.

Matariki Exhibition

■ Where: Kemp Whānau Gallery, 453 State Highway 30, Lake Rotoma

■ When: 10am-4pm, until July 26

■ Entry: Koha