Tying Traditions Together explores the deep and ongoing relationships between artists, poets, and the awa (rivers) of Murihiku. Since the gallery’s founding 42 years ago, artists and writers have been invited to engage with the Mataura River as both subject and source of inspiration. This enduring dialogue is richly reflected in the gallery’s permanent collection.

Arguably this country’s most notable narrative painter, Trevor Moffitt (1936-2006) was born in Gore and raised in the neighbouring gold-mining town of Waikaia. He attended Southland Technical College in Invercargill before enrolling at University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts, graduating with Honours in Painting in 1959.