Art enthusiasts from throughout Central Otago and New Zealand officially welcomed 2008 Henderson House artist in residence Peter Peryer at a function in Alexandra on Friday night.
About 150 people enjoyed the evening, which included stilt walkers, fire shows, live music and speeches. The event was catered on site by the Red Brick Cafe.
Mr Peryer, who took up residency at the Alexandra house (designed by architect Ernst Plischke) in February, said he was enjoying living in that home, and within Central Otago's vast landscape.
‘‘It's another whole world really,'' he said.
Central Otago artist Grahame Sydney attended the evening as a supporter of the arts in the district and as a trustee of the Henderson Arts Trust.
Also attending was the inaugural Henderson House artist in residence, Wellingtonbased writer Vincent O'Sullivan, as well as former Katherine Mansfield fellow and Alexandra poet Michael Harlow.
Central Stories director Brian Patrick said the event aimed to create a cultural hub within Central Otago at the museum and generate support for the district's arts.
‘‘These are high profile people in New Zealand and to have them in Alexandra is incredible. We are so lucky and we want to integrate the artists in residence into the whole community,'' he said.
Mr Patrick said the museum hoped to stage regular events.
