Lonely Dog a raging success in Wellington.

The Exhibitions Gallery in Featherstone St was jammed. So many people that you could barely see the art! Speeches were made by Ron Eskamp the gallery owner, Ivan Clarke the artist, Richard Taylor from Weta Workshop and Graham Burt CEO Lonely Dog. 

Wine flowed, tales of Alveridgea were told, and art was purchased. 

Ron had done a fantastic job setting up this month long exhibition. The gallery looks exquisite. Ivan and Brent drove a truck load - literally - of art from Queenstown to Wellington, and the three of them hung the art Tuesday and Wednesday. I arrived Wednesday morning and got straight into organising the wall cards and price list to match the flow that the team had hung to.

All the while, the phone was ringing with those invited to the opening giving their rsvp's, and a huge flow of people walking in off the street, curious, and then surprised by the collection. You got the feeling that the opening was going to be a big night! You could feel it building. 

In a sense, it is unusual for a gallery like this to run an exhibition based only on limited edition collectible art. As opposed to original.  The response however, has been overwhelming! 

It was fascinating to sit and watch the responses as people walked into the gallery while we were setting up through the day prior. Have seen the paintings and sculptures in the window, the urge to walk inside was very strong. Many entered with a slight frown. Why this painting of hounds and cats? Who is this Lonely Dog anyway? On entering, you could literally see the "lights go on". Comprehension dawned. This is a whole world! The wall cards are read, with sections of the story. A smile breaks. Then a full on grin. 

And then it hits. "I know someone just like this hound!" "I have a neighbor just like this cat!"

Alveridgea and the world of the Lonely Dog is a happy place. People seem to love to visit there. We certainly do!

The night was a blur. Questions upon questions. High enthusiasm. Lots of compliments and congratulations - especially as many had heard about Warner Bros acquiring the screen rights to the limited edition collectible  book "Alveridgea and the Legend of the Lonely Dog." 

The gallery opened at 7pm. By 10.30 there were still a hard core group, enjoying the ambiance, and digging into the world of Lonely Dog. The sound system was playing selections of Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. It was warm inside, and decidedly cool outside. A happy glow diffused the group. 

A great night spent at Alveridge!