Exhibition a personal journey

It is Christmas morning for Warwick Smith each time the Forrester Gallery opens a new exhibition.

Funnily enough, one of the latest exhibitions celebrates the 26 years the director has been at the gallery.

The collection of pieces, called 26 not out, each hold a piece of importance in Mr Smith's life.

Included are pieces from the late Colin Wheeler, Edward Gifford, Donna Demente and his late father Ian Smith.

"It is a self-indulgent collection," he said. "The only regret is I haven't been able to show all of the works I would have liked."

Pieces of Colin Wheeler's work feature more than once. "He was my art teacher," said Mr Smith.

Waitaki Boys' High School donated an architectural drawing of Don House. It was demolished in 1988 as it was deemed an earthquake risk.

Mr Smith said a strong sense of identity has kept him at the gallery.

"It's very much home."

The exhibition runs until February 10.