After a year in business at Bannockburn Riverside Gallery owner Andie Pearce is upbeat about the pleasure her destination gallery, in its exceptional garden setting beside the Kawarau River housing a curated selection of art works, brings to visitors.

“The location alongside the Dunstan Trail gives me the opportunity to combine my love of the garden with my love for art and share them with everyone who visits.”

The focus at Riverside is on artful objects particularly glass art, ceramics and garden art along with a selection of handmade jewellery.

 “I believe that one of the beautiful things about art is the memories it can evoke. When you buy something special you hold onto it and always remember that moment when you found it.”

Andie has personally enjoyed collecting various art forms for many years and at her gallery likes to champion the little guys – the people who work hard at their craft and come from humble beginnings.

“It is an artisan gallery and I seek out work from artists all over the country preferring to showcase handmade work that is not widely exhibited.”

Andie says Riverside is not a traditional gallery space, having a more relaxed environment with a mixture of works, also offering affordable options to help people start their art journey.

“The gallery is very intimate and I strive to provide a place where people feel both comfortable and welcome. As it is also my home, I enjoy sharing our amazing scenery with gallery visitors. Once people find Riverside they enjoy the space, tranquillity and diverse range of works.”

“Many of the works on display are both beautiful and functional such as some of the ceramics which include tableware. Customers appreciate the beauty of handmade and bespoke wares and love the variety and the fact that we have many items on display they have never encountered before.”

Andie encourages people to put the Riverside Gallery on their summer itinerary in Central Otago.

“It is a great outing to add on to a winery tasting or lunch and the perfect rest stop on the cycle trail. The gallery is off the Cairnmuir Road turnoff which turns into Cornish Point and just past the Akarua and Carrick wineries. People outside the area are invited to visit our online store.”