I ( Abbie of IOStudio) will be placing sculptures in random businesses on Bridge Street, Nelson from December 5, 2025, for 6 + weeks. They may be obvious or hidden in more obscure places. You may rediscover works that have been there for a while. I may shift them, change the sculptures out or even place more obvious large ones. I aim to have 6 - 10 pieces out there at any one time ( on top of the pieces for sale in Red Gallery obviously).
I may post hints - see my Instagram stories!
There are mini sculptures to be won. Read on.
In the first instance I hope it will spark joy and engagement. Times are tough for many people and sometimes nice-to-have things like art are not in reach. This is why I have always placed my art in places where people can enjoy it while they go about their day. Examples are Revive Fitness Pilates Studio, Poynter&Co Hair Salon and Apes & Apples.
This idea came to me when I was thinking about how I can help out businesses on Bridge Street which are being impacted by the street upgrade works and will be, to some extent, for many months! The gallery that represents me ( Red Gallery, Design Store & Cafe) is in one of the most impacted locations. I love their space, their vision and what they bring to the region, it’s artists and makers and the community in general. I get my hair cut on Bridge Street and shop and eat there too. I always try to spend my money locally and in small businesses.
If you follow me and my art you may have picked up that I am inspired by nature and the built world. I love architecture and form but also think about urban planning and the environmental and social impact of how we build our towns and city’s. Nelson and Richmond are growing and changing, upgrades are necessary as the infrastructure is put in place to take us into the future. These things take time and money. I have not done a deep dive into the Bridge St upgrade but it is plain to see business in that area need our support.
And yes- this is a bit of self promotion for me. Check out the rest of my website which is self-built and clunky and doesn’t have a shop but you will learn more about my practice. My Instagram will have more insight into my processes and what I am up to day to day.
Head down to Bridge Street, have a coffee, do some window shopping, buy something for yourself, buy a gift…
If you spot a sculpture by IOStudio in a Bridge Street business there should be a card nearby with links to this website and to the IOStudio Instagram. To enter to win you need to…
Take a photo of the mini sculpture
( Selfies are good but just the art and the location is OK if you are camera shy like me)
Post the photo to your Instagram Story
@mention the business
@mention IOStudio_art
You will be in the draw to win a random mini sculpture!
One drawn each week from December 14 till January 18 ( and maybe longer)
I will DM the winners via Instagram so be sure to follow and @mention IOStudio.
The prizes will be available to pick up from IOStudio or I will post for free within NZ.
Pics of my for sale works in Red Gallery will count for this but so have some fun and venture along the street and see what else is out there.
Don’t do Instagram - Message me and I’ll put you in the draw. Just tell your friends to shop local, shop Bridge Street and buy handmade, one-off art pieces for their loved ones this Christmas.
While I do paint and use other mediums many of my works are based on stained glass worked in the traditional Tiffany method with a contemporary twist. Everything is sculptural and, while their form is static, changing light can offer another dimension and movement ( think shadows and refractions). Many of my works incorporate reclaimed wood and upcycled objects, you might even find some with no glass at all!
For this project I will start with 5 or 6 locations. The works could be hung on a wall or sitting on a surface. They may be quite obvious or a bit hidden, large or small, just pretty or with a message to tell.
It is not really about winning something, it is about sharing the joy and supporting Bridge St.
Keep going back as the sculptures will be moving, and changing and they may even grow!
Leave the sculptures where you find them and please do not handle them. They are not toys and are made from glass (breaks) and lead-based solder which should be handled with care and followed up by handwashing. But - you won’t be touching them so all is good.
I may re-share your story on my Instagram, as may the businesses.
This is not really Guerrilla Art as each location has given permission but it is random, unexpected, and designed to bring joy and promote engagement.
If you find one of my sculptures in Red Gallery - that’s cool because you are in my favourite gallery and your photo and mentions will count but do have some fun and venture further along the street. More mentions = more entries.
If you are interested in purchasing one of the sculptures then contact me. Also check out Red Gallery’s stock of my works. There may be similar items. Everything is a one-off, even in the small series of works each one is different!
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