Raukura Art Gallery and Giftware

About Raukura Art Gallery and Giftware

Welcome to Raukura Gallery

Raukura Art Gallery: Where Art Connects, Inspires, and Comes Home

Raukura Art Gallery & Giftware is more than a place to view and purchase art—it's a space where New Zealand's creative community comes together. Owner Ruth Millar, who grew up in the Chatham Islands and spent 27 years in Queenstown before relocating to Picton, wanted to create a gallery that celebrated artistic innovation, craftsmanship, and personal expression from artists throughout New Zealand.

The gallery's carefully curated collection spans an impressive range: oil and watercolor paintings, acrylic works, contemporary mixed media, sculpture in various materials, fine art photography, pottery, glass art, and hand-crafted jewelry featuring New Zealand pounamu and stone. Maori art and traditional harakeke weaving reflect the cultural heritage of the region. Every piece is selected for its artistic merit and ability to inspire.

Personal Service, Local Connection

What truly sets Raukura apart is the personalized approach. The gallery will bring artwork to your home throughout the Marlborough District so you can see how pieces work in your actual living space before making a purchase decision. This service reflects the gallery's belief that choosing art should be thoughtful and intentional—the right piece should resonate in your home.

Gallery Sales Coordinators Kaye McLean and Marilyn Jessop bring deep passion and expertise. Kaye, with a background in hospitality and formal training in Maori arts from Te Wananga O Aotearoa, excels at helping customers navigate choices and build confidence. Marilyn is herself a lifelong artist whose passion for capturing color on canvas has evolved into a career of sourcing emerging talent and supporting established artists—she even exhibited during London Fashion Week.

Community and Support

The gallery champions New Zealand artists at every level, from established practitioners to emerging voices. The rotating roster of over 50 artists ensures the collection continually evolves. Gift vouchers are available for those who want to give the gift of art appreciation without specifying a piece.

Frequently asked questions

What types of art does Raukura Gallery showcase?

The gallery features paintings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, mixed media), sculpture, photography, pottery, glass art, jewelry, and Maori crafts including harakeke weaving.

Do you offer a home viewing service?

Yes, we bring artwork to your home throughout the Marlborough District so you can see how pieces work in your space before purchasing.

When are you open?

Tuesday to Friday 10:30am–4:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am–3pm. Closed Mondays.

Do you sell gift items?

Yes, we offer giftware and gift certificate vouchers that can be used toward any artwork or gift item in the gallery.

Who are the gallery staff?

Owner Ruth Millar manages the gallery. Sales Coordinators Kaye McLean and Marilyn Jessop assist customers and source emerging artists.

Can I commission custom artwork?

Contact the gallery directly to discuss commissioning or custom requests with our artists.

How many artists do you represent?

Raukura showcases works from over 50 New Zealand artists across painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and crafts.

Tips

• {"body":"Take advantage of their offer to bring artwork to your home—seeing a piece in your actual space changes how you connect with it.","title":"Use the home viewing service"}
• {"body":"Kaye and Marilyn are passionate artists themselves; ask about artist stories and get personalized recommendations.","title":"Chat with the coordinators"}
• {"body":"Marilyn actively sources new talent; you may discover your favorite artist here before they become widely known.","title":"Explore emerging artists"}
• {"body":"Perfect for giving the gift of art appreciation to someone who loves supporting New Zealand creativity.","title":"Consider gift vouchers"}
• {"body":"Tuesday–Friday 10:30am–4:30pm works best for browsing; weekends 11am–3pm for a relaxed visit.","title":"Plan a visit around hours"}

Good to know

• {"artists":"Represents 50+ New Zealand artists; ongoing sourcing of emerging talent","service":"Home viewing service available throughout Marlborough District","location":"Central Picton location connected to Ruth's family heritage in the Marlborough region","maori_focus":"Committed to showcasing authentic Maori art and traditional crafts"}