Southern artists show high country flair

Media release from Lake Tekapo Art Group

2 July 2009

Southern artists show high country flair

Recognising local artists and keeping art alive in the community are the drivers behind Lake Tekapo’s High Country Art Exhibition in July.

More than 40 South Island artists will showcase their works in the seventh annual exhibition which has become a highlight of the Canterbury art calendar.

Approximately 160 artworks of all shapes and sizes, including paintings, photography, woodwork, sculpture, and iron work, will be on display and up for sale at the Lake Tekapo Community Hall from 5 to 19 July.

The exhibition is organised by the Lake Tekapo Art Group which aims to encourage and foster local art.  Exhibition Co-ordinator Prue Blake says the range of art is fabulous, with people from all walks of life submitting work.

“Lots of people come here to paint because of the inspiring landscapes and clarity of light.  Others are motivated by the objects and materials they find around the region and many are locals like farmers Hamish Mackenzie, Ian Hayman and Sam Simpson who are passionate about art as an outlet for their creativity. These guys have all set themselves up with great farm workshops for constructing their iron and woodwork creations.”

While many of the artists are not widely known in the art world, there are some who exhibit widely both in New Zealand and internationally. 

These include renowned artists like Ben Woollcombe who has spent many years capturing the essence, light and beauty of the Mackenzie landscape.

“Like many before me I get great enjoyment from this rare place and it’s my aim to convey the joy I feel in my work,” he says.

Other well-known artists exhibiting include Austen Deans, Debbie Templeton-Page, Randall Froude and Angus Watson.

Prue says putting the artist invite list together this year was particularly exciting with many new up and coming local artists featuring their photography and paintings.

“We’re thrilled to be able to provide this great forum for local and South Island artists.  This is an exhibition that will be enjoyed by everyone because it features such an eclectic mix of art styles.”

Entry to the exhibition is by gold coin donation.  All money raised will be used to support community art projects.

 
ENDS