Who we are

The Friends of the Aigantighe Art Gallery were founded in 1976 and they vigorously support Gallery staff. The voluntary organisation is dedicated to encouraging interest in the visual arts and maintaining the excellence of this public gallery.

We support to the gallery by:

  • Supporting 4 special exhibition openings each year by providing refreshments and gourmet catering
  • Assisting with printing costs for a newsletter and invitations to Friends’ sponsored openings
  • Maintaining “Arty” the art car, which appears at special events
  • Donating prizes for the Artarama and Polychrome exhibitions
  • Fundraising in addition to funds obtained from subscriptions
  • Accepting donations as a Registered Charity (Cc42952)
  • Purchasing and sponsoring the conservation of art work

We really enjoy being part of the openings and playing a major role in supporting the gallery. Ultimately helping to grow the love of arts in the community. View the Friends of the Aigantighe Brochure

An invitation to join the membership

Support the Gallery, by becoming a Friend of Aigantighe Art Gallery. Please contact us or join our membership on line or at the Gallery.

  • Receive invitations to Friends sponsored openings
  • Receive gallery newsletters
  • Support the Gallery
  • Be inspired
  • Extend your knowledge of art
  • Meet others with a common interest
  • Help grow the love of arts in the community

Become a committee member

If you would like to be more involved with the Friends then you may like to become a committee member. The Friends meet once a month at 5:15pm the Aigantighe art Gallery. All committee members must be financial members of the Friends of the Aigantighe. Feel free to email us for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Be Inspired. Art and a building equals a gallery,
but it is the artists, staff, members, volunteers and visitors
who bring the art spirit to life.
At the end of the day it is about atmosphere, discussion and inspiration,
and I’m sure you will all agree,
that there is plenty to be found at the Aigantighe!

For 50 years, the Friends of Aigantighe have been shaped by people who have given their time, enthusiasm, knowledge and support to the Friends and the Aigantighe Art Gallery.

Life Members hold a special place in that story. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are pleased to recognise our Life Members and thank them for the part they have played in the life of the Friends. Some have served on committees and taken on leadership roles. Others have supported the Gallery, its collection, exhibitions and activities in different ways. Together, they are part of the people story behind 50 years of the Friends.

 

Juliet Crawford A longstanding member who has given many years of service and leadership to the Friends, including serving as President and Vice-President.

Lady Fiona Elworthy A longstanding Life Member and supporter of the Friends.

Frances Glasby A valued Life Member with a longstanding commitment to volunteering and community service in South Canterbury.

Bill Glass A valued Life Member of the Friends.

Betty Manning Betty helped make possible the Gallery's Yamaha grand piano in 1987. Nearly 40 years later, it continues to be played and enjoyed at the Aigantighe.

Neil McKinnon A former President and longstanding committee member who has supported the Friends through leadership, advocacy and fundraising, including support for conservation of the Gallery's collection.

Meg Parkin Former Director of the Aigantighe Art Gallery, Meg led the Gallery through an important period of development and worked closely with the Friends on a number of projects.

Murray and Judith Purvis Longstanding supporters of the Aigantighe and generous contributors to the wider South Canterbury community.

Margriet Windhausen Artist and sculptor with a longstanding relationship with the Aigantighe as an exhibitor and supporter of the arts in South Canterbury.

D. N. and R. B. Wreford Valued Life Members of the Friends.

 

Thank you

Our Life Members are part of a much bigger story of friendship, volunteering, generosity and a shared love of art that began with the formation of the Friends in 1976. As we mark 50 years, we thank our Life Members, past and present, and all those who have helped the Friends support the Aigantighe over the decades. Do you have a memory, photograph or story about one of our Life Members? We would love to hear from you and continue adding to the Friends' story.

 

2024

  • President: Jill Harland 

  • Vice President: Vacant (no nomination at AGM) 

  • Secretary: Jo Williams 

  • Treasurer: Keely Kroening 

  • Immediate Past President: Juliet Crawford

  • Committee Members: Sue Connolly; Lynda Berkahn; Ian Hamley 

2023

  • President: Jill Harland 

  • Vice President: Nigel Gilkison 

  • Secretary: Vacant (to be appointed) 

  • Treasurer: Keely Kroening & Geoff Cloake (co-treasurers)

  • Immediate Past President: Juliet Crawford 

  • Committee Members: Neil McKinnon; Cara Fitzgerald (ex officio); Sue Connolly; Lesley Brown 

2022

  • President: Juliet Crawford 

  • Vice President: Nigel Gilkison 

  • Secretary: Jill Harland 

  • Treasurer: Geoff Cloake 

  • Immediate Past President: Roselyn Fauth 

  • Committee Members: Neil McKinnon; Cara Fitzgerald (ex officio); Keely Kroening; Sue Connolly; Lesley Brown 

2021

  • President: Roselyn Fauth 

  • Vice President: Nigel Gilkison 

  • Secretary: Jill Harland

  • Treasurer: Geoff Cloake 

  • Immediate Past President: Roselyn Fauth 

  • Committee Members: Neil McKinnon; Cara Fitzgerald (ex officio); Hamish Pettengell; Keely Kroening 

2020

  • President: Roselyn Fauth 

  • Vice President: Nigel Gilkison

  • Secretary: Jill Harland 

  • Treasurer: Geoff Cloake 

  • Immediate Past President: Roselyn Fauth 

  • Committee Members: Neil McKinnon; Sue Connolly; Cate Laurenson

2019

  • President: Michael Armstrong

  • Vice President: Juliet Crawford

  • Secretary: Jill Harland

  • Treasurer: Vacant (no one confirmed at AGM as Leonie Wilson retired)

  • Immediate Past President: David Sankey 

  • Committee Members: Neil McKinnon; Anthony Elworthy; Geoff Cloake; Robyn Senecal; Rosemary Carter; John Rushton; Shirley Keenan

2018

  • President: Roselyn Fauth  / David Sankey 

  • Vice President: Michael Armstrong 

  • Secretary: Jill Harland 

  • Treasurer: Leonie Wilson 

  • Immediate Past President: Roselyn Fauth

  • Committee Members: Juliet Crawford; Geoff Cloake; Anthony Elworthy; Robyn Senecal; Rosemary Carter; John Rushton 

2017

  • President: Roselyn Fauth 

  • Vice President: Anthony Elworthy 

  • Secretary: Jill Harland 

  • Treasurer: Leonie Wilson 

  • Immediate Past President: Neil McKinnon

  • Committee Members: Juliet Crawford; Neil McKinnon; Geoff Cloake; Bridget Sevier; Robyn Senecal 

2016

  • President: Roselyn Fauth 

  • Vice President: Juliet Crawford 

  • Secretary: Jill Harland 

  • Treasurer: Leonie Wilson 

  • Immediate Past President: Neil McKinnon 

  • Committee Members: Geoff Cloake; Jeannette Cooke; Allan Horwell; Stuart Spurr; Bridget Sevier; David Sankey; Anthony Elworthy 

2015

  • President: Neil McKinnon 

  • Vice President: Roselyn Fauth 

  • Secretary: Jeannette Cooke 

  • Treasurer: Leonie Wilson 

  • Immediate Past President: (n/a – no change from previous year)

  • Committee Members: Juliet Crawford; Peta Poletti; Geoff Cloake; Janet Rare

2014

  • President: Neil McKinnon

  • Vice President: Juliet Crawford

  • Secretary: Jeannette Cooke

  • Treasurer: Leonie Wilson

  • Immediate Past President: (n/a – no change from previous year)

  • Committee Members: Angela Chambers; Peta Poletti; Rose Fauth (Roselyn Fauth); Geoff Cloake; Pauline Pulford

 

Historical Foundation Period

1978

  • President (Retiring): Dr E. R. McKenzie

  • Committee: Not specified, but continued presenting artworks and engaging in fundraisers

  • Notable Milestone: Unveiling of Study from Life sculpture and opening of Gallery extension

1977

  • President: Dr E. R. McKenzie

  • Project: Commissioning of Study from Life sculpture by Francis Shurrock

  • Membership: Over 400

1976

  • Chairman (Founding): Dr E. R. McKenzie

  • Secretary: Mr G. J. Instone

  • Committee Members: Mrs L. M. Heads, Mrs H. Hill, Mrs M. J. Parker, Mr P. D. Lowe, Mr A. C. Marshall, Mr A. G. Manson, Mr J. C. Oddie, Mr J. B. Wilson

  • Membership: Over 300 at founding (by August 1976)

Subcategories

History