The Bowen Galleries are one of my favourite dealer galleries in Wellington and I’ve always admired Jeff Thomson’s bold works using corrugated iron. So I was delighted to be invited to the opening of his exhibition at Bowen Galleries on Ghuznee Street last night.

Exhibition openings are always fun; an opportunity to see new work, meet the Gallery owners, catch up with friends and sometimes the artists, and enjoy a glass of wine. Such was the case on Monday evening.

Bowen Galleries have had a long association with Jeff Thomson. For a time his corrugated iron-clad Holden Kingswood, which was later purchased by Te Papa, was parked outside the Gallery when it was on The Terrace. Other well-known artists represented by the gallery include: Robyn Kahukiwa, Geoff Dixon, Neil Frazer, Euan Macleod and Gregor Kregar.

Jeff’s latest work will resonate with those who liked his earlier and larger corrugated iron works, and have fond memories (as I do) of growing up with Meccano. Each work comprises sections of metal bolted together, with the individual metal components having been silk-screened. What makes these works especially appealing is their more accessible scale. Compared to his earlier large scale work for which is best known, these are works that would fit well into an apartment or office environment.

For those less enamoured with Jeff’s work than I am, the con-current exhibition features recent and somewhat whimsical works by David Sarich. A Northland artist, I understand David was encouraged to paint by Tony Fomison, who studied under Rudi Gopas and who was a close friend of Colin McCahon.

Top marks to the wonderful women who own and run Bowen Galleries, Jenny Neligan and Penney Moir. Owning an art gallery is never easy and the Bowen Galleries is no exception. However, it has stood the test of time and survived the best and worst of times. Jenny established the Gallery in 1981 in Bowen Street, hence the name. In 1989 they relocated to 136 The Terrace, sharing the premises with Christopher Moore Gallery. Two years later, they moved again to Ghuznee Street to the space currently occupied by Quilter’s Bookshop. Penney joined as a partner in the business in 2005 and in 2009 they shifted next door into their current space at 39 Ghuznee Street.

The current exhibitions (Thomson and Sarich) run through until 29 October and are well worth a visit. If you love contemporary New Zealand art, take the time to call into the Bowen Galleries, 39 Ghuznee Street, introduce yourself to Jenny and Penney and check out the work on show.