Poi Aye

(Carton) unfinished series by Cam Munroe 2009

For those of you who don't already know, Osbourne Street in Newmarket, Auckland houses a little gem of a gallery cum design emporium called The Poi Room. The store stocks a broad cross-section of local art, design and creative output with strong Maori and Polynesian flavour. Yet The Poi Room is by no means a tacky flag waving tourist-driven enterprise - art and the development of artists is much higher on the agenda.

In recent months Melanie-Jane Smith and the Poi Room crew have showcased a number of emerging artists; Daniella Hulme, Jenny McLeod and Sylvia Marsters showed as part of the Pacific Paradise exhibition, weaver Karl Rangikawhiti Leonard exhibited some of his exquisite pieces and Sue Carmont, Su McPherson and Claire Inwood got 'All Dolled Up in Newmarket."

It's a wee way away yet but we thought we'd bring your attention to an upcoming (September) exhibition at The Poi Room featuring the work of Wellingtonians Melissa Young and Cam Munroe whose work appears above. Below is a sample selection of the type of offerings at The Poi Room and as you can see if you are looking to give your whare the flavour of Aotearoa, there are few better destinations.


The Poi Room
17 Osbourne Street
Newmarket
Ph: 64-9-520 0399