Mangaweka 'Yellow Church' Art Gallery

You can't miss the brightly painted "Yellow Church" Gallery on SH1 in Mangaweka, housing the creative studio of Resident Artist/Photographer & Musician Richard Aslett, since his chance discovery and purchase of the property, way back in 2006!

The "Yellow Church' Gallery is also the home of the now 'infamous' biennial 'Fakes & Forgeries' Festival, Art Competition and Exhibitions. Indeed, Entries for 2025 are now encouraged for the Grand Opening on Sat 25th October (Labour Weekend!)! Having attracted entries from all over NZ/Aotearoa as well as Australia, the UK and even a couple from the good old USA, entries need to be completed an in by Weds 15th of October

So get creating - ''Fakes & Forgeries' is a truly international Artists' event and the concept to enter is easy; Simply fashion an exact replica, a "copy with a twist" or create a brand-new piece in the style of a famous artwork or artist! Any medium, any size, any style or subject!

The "Yellow Church" Gallery is full of many differing Artworks from Richard and a vast array of other local & international Artists. You will find Paintings, Photography, Ceramics, Wood-Turning, Screen-Prints, Fridge Magnets, Gift Cards, Post Cards, Sculpture, Books and even Music CD's, plus other Arty Nick-Nacks and curious things of intertest, to be viewed and purchased.

Serving in the Gallery you will usually find Richard and quite possibly his trusty 'Apprentice' Michael Cathels, often in their now trademark kiwiana 'Walk-Shorts and Socks' - a fashion venture that started out as an April Fools joke, yet after much admiration & positive comments from the ladies (and even a few men!) their stylish iconic looks soon captured the imagination of the 'NZ Today Magazine' which ran a feature in 2021. This led to an interview on National Radio RNZ ... and in turn an appearance in 2022 on TV3's 'The Project' with presenter Jesse Mulligan getting in on the act too! Worth a watch for the Laugh!

Those of you who get up earlier in the morning may well also recall Richard presenting the Weather on TV1's Breakfast Show, during the original Covid lockdowns in 2020.

Richard is also an experienced Musician, having played in many bands, right from the original Punk days of the 70's right through to today. He now plays drums and sings for the four-piece live pop & rock band. 'New Variants!' - He has also appeared on New Zealand's Got Talent, being invited back to play at the Final, then the X-Factor and more recently made a brief appearance on the TV2's revamped 'Popstars' program.

The 'Yellow Church' Gallery also puts on Regular Exhibitions from established and emerging artists. Should you be interested in exhibiting, please contact Richard, preferably via e-mail at: mangawekagallery@xtra.co.nz , with some samples of your works. Thanks.

Click below for the latest (Aug 2025) Newspaper report on this year's Fakes & Forgeries 2025! - Mangaweka’s Fakes and Forgeries exhibition returns this October - NZ Herald 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Thank you, Richard & Co, Mangaweka "Yellow Church" Gallery, SH1.