The nature of the gallery and the partnership has changed over the years. In the beginning the task was to sell work as it was made in the partners studios. However FINGERS soon began to show work from exhibitors outside the partnership. Often the new work was launched in a show, either group, theme or individual. These shows were responsible in a large part for developing the contemporary jewellery scene in Aotearoa. While launching the careers of many of our contemporary makers these shows reflected the developments world wide in the use of new and alternative so called non-precious materials. Guaranteed Trash Punk Show in 1976, Fimo Jungle Jewellery in 1978, Worn Out Art in 1979 were examples of this. Jewellery makers were leading the growing awareness of our place in the Pacific as a Nation with the Bone and Paua Dreams show in 1981. This was soon recognised by curators such as James Mack at the Dowse Art Museum with Physique followed by the Crafts Council who commissioned Bone Stone Shell from artists conscious of our Pacific heritage.

FINGERS has been appropriately supported by the QEII Arts Council at a time of crisis in 1981 when we were burgled and needed to re-establish ourselves as a gallery of national concern. And again in 1987 when we moved to our new premises in what has become the art precinct opposite the Auckland City Art Gallery.

The membership of the FINGERS Group has remained stable since the early '80's with the most recent member being with the group since 1990. The nature of the business has changed however in that we now have a person employed to sell for three days. Other members continue to run their business entirely from FINGERS and work for a day there while some work less often on the premises exhibiting elsewhere or teaching to gain their living. The gallery continues with a varied exhibition programme of solo, group and emerging artist shows, reflecting the continuing development of contemporary jewellery in Aotearoa.

The gallery space we have been operating for the past eleven years was not purpose built. The interior design and display furniture were however purpose designed by the partners to our requirements. Steel, wood and glass were ordered from out workers after much discussion and were assembled by us on site. The reception/sales site was designed and built by Humphrey Ikin to our requirements. After a few years we replaced the developer carpet with a locally grown Tasmanian oak floor, cut, burned and laid by ourselves.

Our exhibiting programme revolves around a mid winter group show when most of our exhibitors send their new work. We display this show as a group. Other shows during the year may be small Feature Artist shows, groups of two, three or four or solo shows depending on approaches from the artists involved. Shows normally last three weeks and are displayed by the artist with assistance from a staff member depending on the wishes of the maker. New exhibitors' work is accepted by partners at a consensus meeting and the decision is made according to aesthetics and available space.