Laree Payne Gallery announces new location

Following its rebrand from Weasel Gallery last year, Laree Payne Gallery has announced its move to a new Victoria Street location at the rear of The Riverbanks complex in Hamilton, New Zealand.

“Just over three years ago, I opened the gallery at 260 Victoria Street, which is a 1915 heritage building owned by the City Council,” explains gallery director Laree Payne. “Although a suitable fit initially, the building’s slightly unusual features and impending demolition (or perhaps refurbishment) got the better of me over time.”

With large glass doors at the front, and a window revealing a vista of trees lining the banks of the Waikato awa (river), the new space is akin to a concrete bunker.

Despite being just a stone’s throw from the gallery’s current space, the new 286 Victoria Street address holds fresh potential in the eyes of the director.

“With three separate rooms, 286 Victoria Street invites a more thoughtful and dynamic approach to exhibition design and installation, which of course holds significant appeal.”

Wednesday 26 May marks the gallery’s first day of occupancy at its new location, ahead of the opening of Tia Ranginui’s self-titled solo presentation on the evening of Friday 28 May.

Image: the outside of the new Laree Payne Gallery, at 286 Victoria St, Hamilton.