Art by the River

23/10/2026

JUST ARRIVED | MARK DIMOCK

A striking addition to the gallery this week – Marama Pink by Mark Dimock.

With its bold colours, strong geometric shapes and intriguing figures, this work is a wonderful example of Mark's distinctive approach to art. There's plenty happening within the composition, from the stylised figures and branching tree to the interplay of circles, lines and architectural forms.

Based in Eketāhuna, Mark is an established New Zealand artist with more than 40 solo exhibitions to his name. Best known for his innovative wall sculptures, his work draws on influences including Cubism, while retaining a style that is very much his own.

Marama Pink is now on display at Art by the River, alongside several other works by Mark.

Art by the River
1B Bell Street, Whanganui

View more of Mark's work on our website.

21/10/2026

NEW TIDES 2026 | MEET THE SELECTION PANEL

Completing our introductions to the New Tides Selection Panel is leading New Zealand fine artist Paul Ho**er.

Paul has enjoyed a career spanning more than 40 years as an exhibiting painter. Best known for his accomplished figurative and portrait paintings, he has been a finalist in the prestigious Adam Portraiture Award on no less than six occasions.

We're delighted to have Paul's considerable experience and artistic perspective contributing to the selection of works for our inaugural New Tides exhibition.

With 273 entries received from across New Zealand, the Selection Panel has had plenty to consider.

And now there's less than a week to wait. Our finalist artworks will be announced on Wednesday 28 October, ahead of the exhibition opening at Art by the River on 21 November.

16/10/2026

A NEW ARRIVAL AT ART BY THE RIVER

With the weekend upon us, here's another recent arrival at the gallery – Whispers of Aotearoa by Julie Whyman.

Five delicate fantails are set against a richly layered landscape of geometric forms, textured surfaces and beautiful earthy colours. Julie's distinctive combination of abstract and representational elements makes for a particularly engaging painting, with plenty of detail to explore.

It's one of several new works to have arrived at the gallery recently, so if you're out and about in Whanganui this weekend, do come in and see what's new.

Our weekend opening hours:
Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday 11am – 3pm

Art by the River
1B Bell Street, Whanganui

16/10/2026

MEET THE NEW TIDES SELECTION PANEL — JULIE WHYMAN

Next in our introductions to the New Tides Selection Panel is New Zealand artist Julie Whyman, who joins Anna Korver and Paul Ho**er in judging our inaugural competition.

Julie's paintings are known for their rich colours, layered textures and geometric shapes, often incorporating elements of the natural world. Birds are a recurring feature of her work, bringing movement and character to her distinctive compositions.

Julie is also one of the artists represented by Art by the River, and it's been a pleasure having her involved in New Tides and bringing her experience to the selection process.

The judging is now well under way, and we're looking forward to announcing our finalists on 28 October.

13/10/2026

Just arrived at Art by the River – Waiake Creek by Christian Nicolson.

Christian Nicolson's paintings are always full of colour and energy, and Waiake Creek is a lovely example of his work.

With its vivid blues and turquoise, contrasting warm oranges and touches of pink, Christian brings his own distinctive interpretation to this coastal scene. His loose, expressive brushwork captures the movement of the water and the surrounding landscape beautifully.

Now on display at the gallery and available to view on our website.

10/10/2026

MEET THE NEW TIDES SELECTION PANEL — ANNA KORVER
We're delighted to have internationally recognised New Zealand sculptor Anna Korver as one of the three artists on our New Tides Selection Panel.
Originally from Taranaki and now based in Benin, West Africa, Anna has built an impressive international career, working in stone, wood, bronze and steel. Her sculptures explore themes of identity, strength, fragility and the female form.
Anna has participated in more than 80 sculpture symposiums around the world, with her work installed in public spaces across several continents. Among her achievements is first prize at the 2021 Tuwaiq International Sculpture Symposium in Saudi Arabia.
We're fortunate to have someone with Anna's experience and understanding of contemporary sculpture helping to select the finalists for our first New Tides exhibition.
Over the coming week, we'll introduce our other two judges, Julie Whyman and Paul Ho**er.
Finalists announced 28 October.

Discover original art by established and emerging New Zealand artists, alongside international collectables, at Art by the River gallery in Whanganui. Browse and buy online.

06/10/2026

Just arrived at Art by the River — Kāhu, NZ Harrier Hawk by Joe Kemp.

Carved from native timber, Kāhu makes wonderful use of the original form of the wood, with the face emerging from its grain, knots and rough edges rather than being imposed upon it.

Joe has added whalebone and restrained touches of turquoise beneath the face — small details that stand out beautifully against the deep, warm tones of the timber.

A powerful piece of carving, and very recognisably Joe Kemp.

Now in the gallery.

04/10/2026

THANK YOU

Entries for the first New Tides are now closed — and what a response.

We're still working through the final rush, so the exact number is yet to be confirmed, but more than 250 artworks have been entered from across Aotearoa.

A huge thank you to everyone who entered, shared New Tides, told another artist about it or supported us along the way. It's been wonderful to see such a strong response to the first New Tides.

Now the work begins behind the scenes, preparing the entries for our independent Selection Panel.

Finalists will be announced on 28 October, with the New Tides exhibition at Art by the River from 21 November–13 December.

Thank you again for being part of the first New Tides.

Home | Annual National Art Competition

04/10/2026

Just a few hours left.
Entries for the first New Tides close at 11.59pm tonight.
If your entry is still sitting on the to-do list, now really is the time.
By this time tomorrow, we'll know what the first New Tides field looks like.

Entries close 11.59pm tonight — Sunday 4 October.

Home | Annual National Art Competition