If you believe in empowering yourself and others, you might want to become part of the team at the Riverside Arts and Crafts store.

Self-empowerment is one philosophy local man Richard Cruickshank lives by, and is one reason he decided to set up the small arts and crafts store.

The local business got up and going in February this year in a quaint building at the eastern end of Marine Parade.

At the heart of it is Richard Cruickshank, who runs the craft store but sees himself as a “caretaker” or “programme coordinator”.

The business is a small community-driven initiative that encourages locals to help themselves and help others, Mr Cruickshank says.

“We want people to join our group of local artists who display their work here,” Mr Cruickshank says.

“Everyone who shares our theme of keeping it locally produced and Kiwi are welcome… we are about promoting the positive.

“Things we love about or country, cultures, family, community and environment… you are never too young or old to start creating. 

“Art is an expression of who we are and the way we feel about what interests us.”

Riverside sells local crafts, natural, spray-free fruit and vegetables and artworks.

“The concept was that a lot of things have been closing around town, and we are trying to build a positive mental attitude.

“We want people to know and understand that we live in a great little town, we have a great community and we’ve based the whole them of this shop and the initiative around Kiwiana and what is great about quaint Kiwi businesses and communities.”

If you would like to contact Richard, you can email him at riversideartsandcrafts@gmail.com or call him on 0211529341.

31 October 2018

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