Exploring Nelson’s Art in lockdown – with a poodle

Click Here to Enter a Competition!

We all love a good local feel-good tale and this one takes the cake. Meet Anne, she has had a rough few years. After her husband passed away in 2019, she’s been on a bit of a journey. After a short trip to Rarotonga for some much-needed rest and recovery, Anne arrived back to Nelson just before the Covid lockdown situation.

Pele her 6 year old poodle needed daily exercise and with a sudden lack of social interaction, required something to do. On day three of lockdown, Anne stopped by the small Gnome statue outside the Suter Gallery and took Pele’s photo with him. That inspired her to explore Nelson’s art – think Street art, Building art, Sculptures and murals.

“I had no idea we had so much street art in Nelson. It’s easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it. I used my iPhone and Pele happily became my art model. She had to learn how to sit next to each artwork and pose for the camera. It became a new game for her and it gave our walks a new kind of focus. The daily news briefings and soulful journaling filled out the day,” says Anne.

The result is a wonderful book featuring our local artworks, and historically, captures a moment in time.

“A good friend taught me how to create the layout on Scribus a free software publishing programme. It came out well and I decided to donate all the profits to the local Hospice. They are such an amazing organisation who helped us immeasurably through my husband’s illness.”

After an initial short print run, the book is being reprinted by local book printing & publishing company The Copy Press.

Anne is grateful for local supporters who have helped spread the word. Books are $40. You can get your copy from Karen Jordan’s shop in town KJStyle, located at 151 Trafalgar Street.

The Copy Press, located at 141 Pascoe Street also has copies.

Or you can email Anne directly for a copy. Email: nzannechase@icloud.com

*Remember all profits go to the Nelson Hospice.

It’s people like Anne who make our community feel extra special. This is what living in Nelson is all about.

Click Here to Enter a Competition!