The world's first art gallery campervan was inspired by and created for the ultimate experience of New Zealand’s Coastal Arts Trail, an art-lovers' journey through the Manawat≈´, Whanganui, and Taranaki regions.
‘Vallery’ boasts an eclectic range of art works collected from the regions' galleries and featuring commissions from local artists, as well as being something of a work of art herself. She’s now available for public hire from Quirky Campers NZ.
The camper took six months to develop thanks to an intensive design and build process and a few COVID-related setbacks, but Vallery’s curator Aimée Ralfini says the end result was worth the effort:
“I love it when art connects with people outside a traditional white box space. Vallery is a completely immersive art experience: travellers can sleep under art, dine with art and recline on art, and it's all integrated in a comfortable and practical way. We have carefully sealed and protected works, and we have translated art onto hard-wearing surfaces and fabrics so people can just relax and have fun.”
Featuring more than 50 works by 26 different artists, Vallery represents just a taste of the sheer volume of art to be explored and experienced on the Coastal Arts Trail.
Vallery’s vibrant exterior is based on a commission by Whanganui ceramic artist Ivan Vostinar. His unique raw ceramic base material – made with local beach sand – has been dipped in an oceanic inspired natural glaze and then intricately photographed and recreated to give the whole van the feeling of being a ceramic vessel.
Among the many works on exhibit inside the van is a ceiling commission from Taranaki artist Gabrielle Belz, featuring a glowing night sky. It's this, along with Manawat≈´’s Vonnie Sterritt’s painting printed onto the cabin's drop-down curtains that create the effect of being immersed within the landscape, even when you're inside.
Curious travellers will find their explorations rewarded by the discovery of a myriad of petite artworks from right across the Coastal Arts Trail, hidden in drawers and in mounted lightbox features.
The unique concept sparked interest from domestic and international travellers even before Vallery's completion, says Quirky Campers' Leanne Edwards.
"Our customers and followers are always keen to know what the next Quirky van will be. Each is so individual with its layout, style and function reflecting the tastes, wants and needs of its owners. But Vallery has really intrigued people because, inside and out, her look is the result of multiple artists.
“Even before her launch, with only the concept to go on and a basic description of her features, Vallery has attracted bookings both local and from overseas."
The Coastal Arts Trail is New Zealand's newest and largest arts tourism experience, featuring more than fifty stops across the lower West coast of the North Island. From well-known institutions to hidden gems, away from the beaten track, travellers can expect a full range of art experiences. If they're lucky enough to get a booking for the world's first gallery camper, they can also expect to do it in style.
