Art Exhibition Space

Paraparaumu and Ōtaki libraries have community art exhibition spaces, giving members of the public and local groups the opportunity to show their work.

Roderick and Gillian Deane Community Art Space – Paraparaumu Library

Opening hours

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9am–5pm
Wednesday 10am–5pm
Saturday 10am–4pm
Sunday 10am–2pm

This community art exhibition space in Paraparaumu is located just to the right of the library foyer. Along with the new library, it was opened in 2002 and has proved to be a very popular exhibition space. Exhibitions of all descriptions have been held in the space: pottery, painting, sculpture, quilting, origami, woodturning, weaving and installations have all featured.

Current/Upcoming exhibitions

4 - 17 August: True to Their Word - beautiful calligraphy by the Calligraphers of Kāpiti
18 - 31 August: Mountains to Sea - paintings by Lynne Holden and Jill Hammond
1-14 September: tbc
15 - 28 September: Japan/NZ art collection - a display of curated ethnic arts and diversity engagement by Japanese and New Zealand artists Bruce Lee Torizawa and Deb Donnelly in collaboration.
29 September - 12 October: Pareidolia - a series of artworks by Nicki Young exploring pareidolia, the tendency to “impose a meaningful interpretation on a nebulous stimulus, to 'see' an object, pattern, or meaning where there is none"

Interested in exhibiting?

Ngā Wāwata – Ōtaki Library Art Space

Opening hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9am–5pm
Wednesday: 10am–5pm
Saturday: 10am–4pm

Ngā Wāwata is an art exhibition space located inside the area to the side of the front entrance in front of the main library desk. The art space has a strong community focus as an exhibition space for community groups, schools and individuals who otherwise may not have access to exhibition spaces on the Kāpiti Coast. It is promoted as a “user friendly” place where artists can have the experience of organising and curating their own exhibition.

Please contact the Hub Lead at Ōtaki Library to enquire about exhibiting at Ngā Wāwata.

Information for exhibitors

Roderick & Gillian Deane Art Exhibition Space, Paraparaumu Library

The Art Exhibition Space is available to local artists and arts groups who may not have access to other galleries. Exhibition periods are for two weeks.

The gallery is often booked months ahead so if you are interested in exhibiting please submit a Booking Request Form with your proposed exhibition and preferred dates, or email the Arts Advisor, Rosie Salas, at [email protected] with this information.

We're keen to connect art exhibitions with Library or Council activities when we can, and may discuss timing and possible activities to achieve this.

Please let us know when you submit your booking if you are likely to have tikanga requirements for your exhibition.

Note that the Paraparaumu Library Art Space is booked at times for regular Library and Arts exhibitions, and may also be required for other Council activities such as local elections. This means that we may not be able to allocate your preferred time slot or that we may have to reschedule your exhibition.

There is no charge for rent nor is commission charged on sales. A catalogue with prices for artworks can be provided but we ask you do not label individual items with prices (see the Library Policy governing the sale of items).

Installing an exhibition

Exhibitions are usually in place for two weeks. The Roderick and Gillian Deane Community Art Space has the following layout:

Total floor area is approximately 3m x 5m = 15 square metres
There is a track hanging system and pin boards that can be used (not all walls have both options).
The front of the gallery opens off the library foyer.
The rear of the gallery has two swing doors that open through to a meeting room. Access to these must be clear.
There is a new track lighting system with small spotlights which can be adjusted.

Access to the equipment cupboard: you can pick up the access card to the cupboard from the Welcome Desk in the Library. This must be signed for and returned when you leave the library but may be requested again at any time during the exhibition period.

For assistance with and further information about setting up your exhibition, please contact the Arts Advisor. We suggest you make an appointment to come in and have a look if you are not familiar with the space.

Technical details about the space and installation

Total floor area: approximately 15 square metres

The art exhibition space offers a number of ways to display artworks

Hanging system – this is a professional system used by galleries. It consists of a track placed on two of the walls - wire hanging straps slide into the track, and each wire can take 1-2 adjustable hooks from which artworks can be hung. Hooks are adjusted using an Allen key. Artworks will need to be strung to use this system. The hooks are large and may show above a boxed canvas frame if it is simply placed on the hook and not strung. The hanging system is in place on the two main walls.
Pin board – there is one pin board section which is 1700 wide by 1000 high. This is great for displaying drawings, lighter paintings (small boxed canvas), photographs, quilts, weaving or text. Pins and Velcro dots are recommended but please NO blu-tack on the pin board!
We have opened up the outside wall to allow better lighting and for people to see the artwork from outside. Artworks can be put on easels or plinths alongside the window. We have two larger easels (on request) and four smaller easels that can be placed in the window area so people outside can see them.
We have two plinths and can provide secure cabinets for display of smaller items. (Please note that Council does not guarantee security for items in the Art Space, or take liability for damage or theft).
Floor Space – artists are welcome to make use of the floor space for displaying sculpture or an installation artwork. You are welcome to bring other plinths and props to display your art. There needs to be enough clearance to walk around the space.
Props such as driftwood or stones can be used as long as they will not cause damage to the floor covering or impede people walking around the art space.
A television screen is available for showing video displays - please request this with your booking.