A stalwart artist member, vice-patron and life member Mrs Hardey, 98, was surrounded by society members and friends as she accepted the honour.
Otago Art Society president Rose Shepard said the decision to rename the gallery in honour of Mrs Hardey was unanimous among the society’s council, and was "very much deserved".
She read a tribute from artist David Corballis, who said the renaming of the gallery would be "a reminder always to those who enter the gallery of her contribution not only to the [Otago Art Society] over the years, but also to art".
After cutting the ribbon, Mrs Hardey shared some memories and said having the gallery named after her was "an extreme honour, which is very much appreciated".
"Over the 60-odd years I have been with the Otago Art Society, I have made very great friendships in an atmosphere where we are all encouraging of each other."
Former president and life member Jenny Longstaff shared with The Star some history of Mrs Hardey’s involvement with the Otago Art Society during her long and active life.
"A talented artist herself, skilled in printmaking and watercolours, Mrs Hardey had served several terms on the Otago Art Society council, been vice-president, was a life member and vice-patron, and regularly attended members’ evenings and exhibition openings.
"She had also been Saturday volunteer at the art gallery for many years, running the gallery shop into her 90s."
A Dunedin resident all her life, Mrs Hardey was co-founder of the Wakari Art Group, worked at Abernethy’s Gallery for 10 years, and was a volunteer usher at the Regent Theatre for 40 years.
When younger, Mrs Hardey learned Esperanto, did yoga, and enjoyed tramping for many years, as well as raising a family.
