The Vanya Taule'alo Gallery
The Vanya Taule'alo Gallery
5
This location was reported permanently closed
About
The Vanya Taule'alo Gallery is 4 minutes outside of Apia. We exhibit and sell contemporary and traditional Samoan art works and handcrafts. We source our artworks and handcrafts and gifts from Samoa and the Pacific. All items selected are created by reputable artists and artisans. We can send purchases overseas if wanted.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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5.0
14 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
barbara19532015
Perth, Australia27 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
Went with a friend, loved Vanya and her gallery, lots to see, some very unique pieces from all over the pacific, the setting is beautiful, felt like we were in paradise.
Written 25 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlenelgRocks
Christchurch, New Zealand27 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
We found the gallery a bit hard to find, although to Vanya's credit there are large signs at the bottom of the roads leading up to the gallery. Although we were outside the Mon. Wed. Fri. opening, we went to the Information Centre in Apia and they rang her and she was only to happy to open for us. Vanya was very informative and unpretentious regarding the local art. We loved our experience there.
Written 16 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JMarcelline
Vientiane, Laos16 contributions
Apr 2014 • Solo
Vanya's is an excellent gallery to view the art works of leading Samoan and Pacific artistes and artisans from a range of genres (traditional and contemporary) and media (tapa, siapo, wood, stone, shark and whale bone). As are the artworks, the jewellery and craft displayed are mostly unique and one-off pieces.
The gallery is part of her beautiful home and garden- architecture and landscape which draws on Pacific architectural desciplines (brainchild of Vanya's husband) and love of nature.
All of the above and Vanya, with her knowledge of Pacific life and culture, makes evert visit a very memorable experience.
It is around 15 minutes from Apia centre- ensure that you have a map in hand and before leaving, request your hotel staff to speak with the taxi-driver and confirm directions. It is not difficult to find as there are large sign posts (one large black and red) on the key roads (towards airport) and turn-offs but taxis are prone to losing their way.
The gallery is part of her beautiful home and garden- architecture and landscape which draws on Pacific architectural desciplines (brainchild of Vanya's husband) and love of nature.
All of the above and Vanya, with her knowledge of Pacific life and culture, makes evert visit a very memorable experience.
It is around 15 minutes from Apia centre- ensure that you have a map in hand and before leaving, request your hotel staff to speak with the taxi-driver and confirm directions. It is not difficult to find as there are large sign posts (one large black and red) on the key roads (towards airport) and turn-offs but taxis are prone to losing their way.
Written 1 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine K
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada2 contributions
Nov 2013 • Solo
If this gallery were located closer to downtown Apia, I suspect that Vanya Taule'alo would have a difficult time keeping it stocked. I saw art work there that I haven't seen anywhere else in Samoa: high quality traditional Samoan art -- paintings, carvings, tapa, jewellery -- alongside equally high quality contemporary pieces that place Samoan artists at the forefront of developments in Pacific art. This gallery is unique in Samoa: nothing is mass produced, everything is a one-of-a-kind. The designs are exquisite. And Vanya is a gallery owner like no other: knowledgeable and discerning about what she shows in the gallery, and an artist of unparalleled talent herself. Although I would like to see the gallery more centrally located so more people can benefit from access to it, the current location is no less than magical.
Written 9 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks you very much for your supportive review of the gallery. It is a struggle getting a gallery going in Samoa but I will continue to strive to maintain the integrity of my artists works and uniqueness of their product. One factor you mention re distance from town I had wanted visitors to experience also the tropical garden surrounding the gallery. However being 10 mins from town it is proving a problem in terms of foot traffic. We will be relocating the gallery by mid 2014 so it will be only 5 mins from Apia. We will be adding to the gallery an organic cafe and garden with a natural playground for children! I hope next time you visit Samoa we can show you our new setting!
Written 11 November 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HappyFella2
Aitutaki, Cook Islands35 contributions
May 2012 • Solo
I recently visited the Vanya Taule'ao Art Gallery during my stay in Apia. Vanya picked me from our hotel and it was about a 15 min drive to the gallery set in a landscaped garden near the hills.
Vanya has a huge knowledge about Pacific Art, being both an artist herself, the gallery director and also a lecturer for 30 years.
The gallery has a large range of original contemporary art work from large pieces to small, coming from both local and other Pacific countries. I loved the exquisitely carved bowls, and there was a good range of hand made high quality jewellery. There are sculptures in the garden.
Anybody with an interest in high quality art and crafts will enjoy their time at the gallery and talking with Vanya.
Vanya has a huge knowledge about Pacific Art, being both an artist herself, the gallery director and also a lecturer for 30 years.
The gallery has a large range of original contemporary art work from large pieces to small, coming from both local and other Pacific countries. I loved the exquisitely carved bowls, and there was a good range of hand made high quality jewellery. There are sculptures in the garden.
Anybody with an interest in high quality art and crafts will enjoy their time at the gallery and talking with Vanya.
Written 3 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It is always great to get a positive review. It is lovely to talk to people who have a deep knowledge of Pacific Art and this guest was no exception. Thanks so much for dropping in, the lively conversation and do come again when next in Samoa.
Written 26 June 2012
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Afghankiwi
Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand99 contributions
Sept 2017 • Solo
Did some shopping here. Some wonderful art and other objet d'art. Wonderful owner Vanya.
Well worth a visit.
Lovely Cafe adjoining.
Well worth a visit.
Lovely Cafe adjoining.
Written 28 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for coming and commenting
Written 3 October 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alison B
Greater Adelaide, Australia37 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
A great place to visit in Apia. We had a great lunch and the gallery has a good range of Samoan handicrafts. We enjoyed the visit.
Written 6 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison we are glad you enjoyed your visit come again soon when in Samoa.
Written 8 September 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Grammy554
Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand40 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
The Gallery is in the same building as Legends Cafe, so you can have a fantastic lunch and peruse the gallery. There are some very lovely jellery items, pearls to die for but also very individual local jewellery and art work. A good range of quality items.
Written 3 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Happy that you enjoyed our Gallery !
Written 6 August 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michelle C
Auckland Central, New Zealand23 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
A great selection of art, jewellery and local crafts - Vanya has an amazing eye. Next door to Legends Cafe and five minutes walk from the Taumeasina Island Resort this is well worth a visit
Written 22 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovely to have you visit us during your stay in Samoa.
Written 24 July 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pandanuspalms
Apia, Samoa86 contributions
Oct 2016
Beautiful and original art from Samoa and the pacific. If you want a unique keepsake from your time in Samoa, this is the place to go. Vanya knows, supports, and promotes all the local artists on display in her gallery. Something to suit all tastes and budgets. The food and drinks at the cafe are as good if not better, than any restaurant (including resorts!) in Samoa. Highly recommended.
Written 18 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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