For Donna and the Grainstore Gallery

“JEEZ WAYNE. I live on the smell of an oily rag, and most of what I do here is voluntary. I don’t eat at fancy restaurants, drive reliable cars or travel overseas.” So says National Treasure and Oamaru Artist Donna Demente.

Donna is an artist without equal and her Grainstore Gallery is absolutely unique.

More than three decades ago, she and a few other visionary and inspiring souls helped turn an abandoned corner of historic Oamaru into the vibrant hub of what has been called New Zealand’s coolest town.

Now changes to the administration of the historic precinct are seeing Donna’s rent increase by 400%.

Life as an artist is always precarious, and this move threatens the very existence of the Grainstore Gallery.

Donna understands change is necessary. In the meantime, she will continue paying her trust-based-rent while exploring other options, including possibly moving out of the Historic Precinct.

“Funds raised will be a seed fund for the establishment of the gallery in alternative premises including storage space initially - if required as interim measure - relocation costs, and general support (living costs) during this process.

“There is so much that needs to be catalogued and collated, and a permanent home found for the collection when I leave here.”

Please support this most special and wonderful artist, who brings joy to so many.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360926870/tough-titties-gallery-owner-historic-area-rental-stoush