B.

 As we approach the first anniversary of the reopening of the Gallery, it seems like a good time to celebrate a year’s progress in the life of the city. The Friends have collaborated with the Gallery to provide you with many interesting opportunities, from exclusive exhibition previews to fascinating lectures, and we hope that you have relished the chance to finally enjoy art on the walls of one of the city’s treasures again.

I have just returned from a trip which included a couple of American cities, where I found it hard not to be overwhelmed by the scale of the shows at major galleries; I found the smaller collections more rewarding and, on returning home, certainly appreciate what we have here. I really believe Christchurch Art Gallery punches well above its weight, and free entry to our public galleries is an amazing opportunity we enjoy in this country—long may it last!

During the year we supported the Gallery with the purchase of two works for the collection: Sophie Bannan’s multimedia work Untitled (2013–15) and Burn Out (2009), a digital video by Steve Carr. We will be adding to that following our recent successful fundraising auction. It was wonderful to see such a positive result after all the input from the artists, volunteers and especially the guests who come on the night.

You will soon be receiving your new membership cards. These will last for years, and can be automatically updated when you renew your membership. We have also improved the way we process members’ payments, with the addition of online banking and eftpos facilities.

The exhibitions at the Gallery over the summer period combine every genre of art practice, with much to attract you to return again and again, with any visitors you may have in the holidays. The Gallery’s wonderful new Design Store is now open, and with more and more cafes opening in the neighbourhood, it’s a great destination area.

We look forward to seeing many of you at our end of year celebration on 11 December, but to everyone we wish you a Happy Christmas, a bountiful New Year and lots of good art viewing and reading.