Top national and local artists feature in Harcourts Artex fundraiser
The 40th annual Harcourts Artex National Exhibition will showcase 77 artists from across New Zealand and raise much needed funds for surf lifesaving in Hawke’s Bay.
The Rotary Club of Greenmeadows hosted event being held at Napier’s War Memorial and Conference Centre features 178 paintings, photos and sculptures feature totalling over $350,000.
The Rotary Club of Greenmeadows project director Bryan Matthews says art lovers attending the launch Soiree on Thursday June 23 have the first chance to “snap up some fantastic art” ahead of the general public exhibition and sale that runs from Friday June 24 to Sunday June 26.
To kick start the fundraising event three paddles designed by three local artists – Bari Duncan, Nick Hayter and Kylie Parish along with a sculpture featuring godwits by well-known local sculpturer Ricks Terstappen will be auctioned at the Soiree.
“We’re thrilled to have Bari, Nick, Kylie and Ricks provide artwork for the charity auction and we expect some strong bidding to take place at the Soiree and also see some eager art lovers getting in before the public exhibition and sale.
“It’s all for a great local cause with Surf Lifesaving which is a vital service in our region with 34 people being rescued at our beaches last year,” Bryan says.
He says art from well-known artists such as Ben Ho, from Queenstown and Colin Wynn (Blenheim) along with local artists and photographers such as Richard Brimmer and Heather Wilson are among many others from as far south as Queenstown to Auckland.
The most expensive piece of art is a paitning by Colin Wynn with a $9200 price tag. All art is on display through to the end of the exhibition on Sunday afternoon.
Harcourts Artex National Exhibition and Sale was created by The Rotary Club of Greenmeadows Napier in 1982 and has raised nearly $900,000 for charities in Hawke’s Bay.
“Harcourts Artex is not just a fundraiser, it is a significant cultural event and an opportunity for art lovers to see a diverse collection of paintings, all in one place, featuring the work of top artists from all over New Zealand and all for sale.”
Bryan says the event also provides artists with significant exposure and encouragement and the public an opportunity to see a wide mix of culturally enriching art.
He adds that Harcourt’s Artex also helps launch the career of many emerging artists via a fantastic partnership with EIT Hawke’s Bay and this year six artworks from EIT students will feature.
Also as part of this year’s event, we have a Matariki themed Art competition for children.
The Rotary Club has collaborated with More FM Hawke’s Bay and The School Shop to create an awesome competition with the top 10 entries as judged by More FM to be part of the exhibtion.
The top three, as voted by the public will win prizepacks valued at $150 each from the School Shop.
For more information including tickets for The Soiree visit https://nationalartexhibition.co.nz/
