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CHRISTINE RABARTS: ART DEALER
Although Christine holds a Diploma in Art
and Creativity with ‘Honours’ – and has been
an exhibiting artist (and fashion designer)
throughout NZ and internationally – she has
made the choice to focus on her gallery.
She explains that a truly successful gallery
requires commitment and teamwork between
the dealer/curator and the artist. “A big part of
being a successful curator is finding the unique
art mix for your client base (the art buyers)
solidly backed by artists with integrity who are
professional, hardworking and innovative”.
Christine has, for instance, presented three
major exhibitions by noted NZ artist Michael
D. Smither. “This last one in March – his ‘Gone
Fishing’ series – was the result of 2
1
/
2
years
work, based on a mathematical and deliberate
study he collated over a period of more than 20
years of understanding!”
As an ‘art-dealer gallery’, Christine knew that
the mix required in all those areas was finally ‘at
that stage’: her client base was growing, sales
were steady, and her permanent artists were
consistent. “Together, these factors warranted
the financial risk to expand the gallery.
“This took courage and a leap of faith”, she
admits. “I have invested everything back into my
gallery, and now believe Bread & Butter is finally
where I want it to be. It’s a passion I’ve had for a
very long time, and to see it come alive like this
is very satisfying”.
THREE EXHIBITIONS SCHEDULED
Upcoming major shows include water-themed
works contributed jointly by painter Jacqueline
Elley and glassblower Lynden
Over, new ‘Over The Rainbow’
works by Souzie Speerstra,
and Ingrid Boots’ suave ‘En
Vogue’ themed paintings.
(See ad page 6.)
Christine keeps her website
and Facebook page current,
sharing images of exhibition
openings and new arrivals,
such as Brad Novak’s “Geisha” series.
Art lovers are invited to ‘step up’
into the new exhibition space at Bread & Butter Gallery
Below, Bread & Butter Gallery’s team,
Souzie Speerstra, Marcus Leitch,
Christine Rabarts, Stephen Hutton
and Heidi Duxfield look forward to showing
visitors the gallery and its many artists.
A
fter hearing rave reviews about the Bread
& Butter Gallery’s recent improvements,
Coromandel Life’s
‘newbie’ writer Shannon
Okey eagerly agreed to check it out.
Christine was in Auckland that afternoon, but
local painter Souzie Speerstra, ‘on gallery duty’,
led the way. Impressed at every step, Shannon
shared her experience. “Leading to the new
three-room upstairs space is an unforgettable
wide staircase. Works from a number of artists
are displayed beside you as you ascend, and a
grand black and white painting by Ingrid Boot
takes pride of place at the top.”
Upstairs, the uncluttered white wall space of the
three rooms showcases paintings by some of the
region’s top artists including Michael D. Smither,
Jennie de Groot, Ginney Deavoll, Jacqueline
Elley, Ingrid Boot, Brad Novak, and Liz Hart.
The new exhibition rooms display a variety
of genre from emerging to senior artists, all
expressing exceptional quality and uniqueness in
their work. Along the hall wall leading to the far
room, a curvacious, sleek wood sculpture by Rick
Swain adds a fitting touch.
Shannon notes that the new space offers many
comfy-chic armchairs, coffee tables and sofas
scattered about. One room displays sculptures
and an assortment of paintings on stands.
There is a coffee and tea bar on a vintage
cabinet. Full length sliding glass doors lead to an
outdoor patio – complete with tables, chairs and
umbrellas. “Perfect,” says Souzie, “for guests at
our upcoming exhibitions to relax with a glass of
wine while enjoying the vibes of the main street of
Whitianga.”
After being properly ‘wowed’, Shannon
summarised, “Christine has done an amazing job
with this chic upstairs gallery, which follows on
from the previous successful expansion into the
next door space just two years ago.
“The level of detail put into these displays is truly
impressive – even small craft pieces are set off
with style – and makes for an overall elegant and
classic look.”
Recently transplanted from the UK, Shannon
added, “I felt like I was back in London at a high-
end gallery in the exclusive Mayfair district!”
Gallery owner Christine Rabarts is the visionary and
designer behind this impressive expansion.
“As the gallery’s recognition increased with an
expanding national and international client base
– along with the high level of professional artists I
represent – it was timely to expand the premises.”
And that she has... doubling its size...
in only three short weeks!
Christine and husband Stephen Hutton (centre)
host the March opening of Michael Smither’s
“Gone Fishing” exhibition in the new upstairs space.
ART