Press Releases
23 Jan 2025
“Creatives add colour to Timaru’s CBD”
In a bid to bring some colour into Timaru's CBD, artists have been gathering in Stafford St and creating in front of the public, with the hope it will inspire others.
Organised by artist and Red Bird Gallery owner Polly Rowe… Read the full article here
THE TIMARU HERALD. (2025, January 23). Creative Cove artists add colour to Timaru's CBD. The Press. p. 1-2
16 Jan 2025
“Courier's debut exhibition a humbling experience”
A Timaru courier driver is excited about his first solo abstract art exhibition and says it shows art is accessible to anyone, no matter their background. JP Bell, who keeps busy during the day delivering parcels throughout South Canterbury, said balancing the labour-intensive demands of his job while carving out the time to create art has been both "a challenge and a joy"… Read the full article here
THE TIMARU HERALD. (2025, January 16). Courier driver's debut solo abstract exhibition a humbling experience. The Press. p. 1-2
6 Dec 2024
"I want them to put their own story into it.”
An abundance of threads, linen, oils and ink make up Rachel Ratten's work - a collection that has caught the eye of a respected art historian.
Now, in a retrospective exhibition, the artist's work will be on display for the world to see at Timaru's Red Bird Gallery. … Read the full article here
THE TIMARU HERALD. (2024, December 6). Artist's retrospective works on display. Stuff.
9 Nov 2024
“I’m excited, it’s nice to be fresh and excited about a new exhibition.’’
Christeena MacDonald still remembers her foray into the world of fabric creations. With a mother who was a skilled and enthusiastic seamstress, MacDonald recalled her leaving a piece of silk on the floor and leaving the room.
“I was very little and I thought I’d help her out so I cut out the silk into little circles and squares,’’ MacDonald said. … Read the full article here
THE TIMARU HERALD. (2024, November 8). Christeena Macdonald returns with new work to Timaru's Red Bird Gallery. The Press.
16 Oct 2024
“I’ve gone from abstract to magical realism and played around and it has been an exercise in self-care really.’’
It's been a few years between exhibitions, but artist Midge McMillan hasn't stopped learning.
Over the past eight years, the Timaru woman learnt about motherhood,
"puddled" around teaching herself new techniques, continued to teach others and had done some commission work. … Read the full article here
THE TIMARU HERALD. (2024, October 16). Never say never. Artist goes from abstract to a magical realism. The Press.
October 2024
“Monthly Exhibitions at Red Bird Gallery’’
Artist and gallery owner, Polly Rowe, took some three months to renovate the old dental surgery on Stafford Street. Now it is home to the Red Bird Gallery where Polly works in her studio and exhibits work from a range of local artists. "I'm in my happiest place," she says. The gallery has new exhibitions each month. Check out www.redbirdgallery.co.nz to find out more about what's going on at the gallery. Or, better still, head along there and get inspired.
ESSENCE MAGAZINE. (2024, October). Monthly Exhibitions at Red Bird Gallery. Essence South Canterbury Ltd. p. 4
12 Sep 2024
“In Walking Into Windows, her work explores finding moments of joy in safe places.’’
Living in the picturesque Ōrari Gorge, Stephanie Postles admits to sometimes feeling slightly overwhelmed by the beauty of the area.
That overwhelm has seen the painter wander down a different path in terms of her art, inspiring her to create peace and calm in her works. … Read the full article here
THE TIMARU HERALD. (2024, September 12). Inaugural South Canterbury exhibition a moment of joy for artist. The Press.
2 Aug 2024
“I’m just thrilled people are enjoying my art.’’
When Sharon Taylor took early retirement in 2020, it came with a resurrection of her love of art.
That journey, and the travels she undertakes to find inspiration for work, from Caroline Bay to the alpine backdrop of the Mackenzie Country, are reflected in her first solo exhibition at Timaru’s Red Bird Gallery. … Read the full article here
THE TIMARU HERALD. (2024, August 2). Artist’s Timaru exhibition showcases journey of work and where it takes her. The Press.
12 July 2024
"Each work features lines with each artist taking different approaches to the theme.”
A changing of the guard has inspired a Timaru art exhibition that explores lines and the space between.
Between the Lines opens at Red Bird Gallery on Friday evening and features the work of former South Canterbury Arts Society president Helen Willcock and the woman who took over the role, Lesley Brown. … Read the full article here
THE TIMARU HERALD. (2024, July 12). Timaru exhibition takes viewers between lines. Stuff.
TIMARU COURIER. (2024, July 18). Art society leaders join for exhibition. Timaru Courier. LINK
3 Jun 2024
“My work is colourful and funny and yes black humour and comedy.’’
The work of Ōamaru artist Eion Shanks is appearing in a Timaru gallery for the first time - a somewhat fitting occasion in the town where he began his artistic journey.
Shanks’ exhibition opened at the Red Bird Gallery on Saturday night and features about 12 works which he says ranges from the past five years. … Read the full article here
THE TIMARU HERALD. (2024, June 3). Working together: Ōamaru artist appears in Timaru gallery. The Press.
9 Apr 2024
“We’re not going anywhere - we’re investing in Timaru and we have to show everybody it’s a destination place.’’
Transforming a derelict building into “something beautiful’’ is one of Polly Rowe’s proudest moments, she says, as she prepares to open an art gallery in Timaru’s CBD.
Upstairs, at 281A Stafford St, Rowe and husband Jeff Grimmer have stripped walls and carpets, and set up Red Bird Gallery, selling work by artists from throughout New Zealand. … Read the full article here
THE TIMARU HERALD. (2024, April 9). Our centre is not dying: Art gallery opening in Timaru’s Stafford St. Stuff.