For Immediate Release Monday 11 August 2014

Whanganui Prison supports Turakina Primary School Fundraiser

Seventeen artworks from prisoners in Whanganui Prison have been donated to the Amazing Turakina Art Expo auction. Artwork can be viewed online ahead of the auction that will be held on Saturday 6 September at the school.

The art auction is organised by Turakina School Friends and Whanau Group, which is made up of parents and extended whanau of the primary school pupils. The group runs fundraising events for the school.

Whanganui Prison Manager, Reti Pearse said the prison was approached to provide artwork following the prisoner art exhibition in the city’s Davis Central City Library in June.

“We’re pleased to contribute to the fundraising activity that supports Turakina Primary School. The prisoners also see it as an opportunity to give something back to the local community.

“Sales of prisoner artwork from the library exhibition raised $650 for the Whanganui Restorative Justice Trust, so we hope the art supplied for the Amazing Turakina Art Expo will be just as popular,” says Mr Pearse.

Paintings, sketches and a carving featuring a Maori warrior representing strength and mana, are just some of the prisoner artworks donated to the auction.

Corrections’ goal is to reduce re-offending by 25% by 2017. Whanganui Prison’s art programme complements other education, training and group therapy that prisoners attend. It also provides an opportunity for prisoners to practise and strengthen their communication skills, working with others, goal setting and patience.

All artwork for auction can be viewed online at facebook.com/turakinaartexpo. Bidding can be made online before the auction, as well as at the school on the day.

Art auction details

What: The Amazing Turakina Art Expo

When: 10am Saturday 6 September 2014 and online at facebook.com/turakinaartexpo

Where: Turakina Primary School, 72-74 State Hwy 3, Turakina, Wanganui, 4581

ENDS

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