The invite promised people, art, graphics, music and vodka, and there was no shortage of each.

Woom inaugural show, woom~one, opened with huge success on 20 April. Guests mingled happily with each other, no doubt helped along their way by the vodka taste-testing (possibly the fifth exhibitor?) served by the vodka scientists. The artwork on display invited enthusiastic comment and was often the source of much amusement. Music was provided by local dj Nick, whose funky house set the party tone for the evening.

Woom is a collaborative initiative between Gareth Lawes of 7 Design Secrets and Andy Clover of Go Ahead Punk. Already there are three or four shows planned for 2006, each of which promises to be as eclectic and vibrant as the first.

Artists showing their work during woom~one are:

Andrew Bryden; Sculpture

Stephen Clover; Photography

Matt Frost; Digital Art

Dean Raybould; Painting

Woom~one will be open from 21 April until 5 May 2006 at First Floor, 7 Design Secrets Building, 329 Trafalgar Square, Nelson, New Zealand. Call +64 3 539 4454 for more information.

Check out the official Woom netMaestro website www.woom.co.nz to view images of the woom~one opening party.