‘Art with Heart’ attracts widespread interest

23 March 2011

A collection of Kiwi art set to go under the hammer in Queenstown to help raise money for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal has garnered widespread attention offshore and in New Zealand.

In the past two weeks some of the country’s most prolific and well-loved artists have joined those already donating precious artworks to the unique ‘Art with Heart’ auction, to be held at Queenstown’s exclusive Millbrook Resort this Friday (March 25).

They include pieces from Melvin (known as Pat) Day (via Murray and Clare Doyle), Todd Couper (via Toi o Tahuna), Kelvin Mann, Mark Hill and Annie Boyd.

These join work already donated from Garrick Tremain, Jane Pestell-Litton, Peter Beadle, Russell McLean, Max Gimblett, Gretchen Albrecht, Dick Frizzell (via Toi o Tahuna), Shane Woolridge, Gilbert and George (via Lee Fletcher), Ernie Maluschnig, Rachael Errington, Jackie Ranken and Mike Langford, Christine Hill, Alan Waters, and Dan Kelly.

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‘Art with Heart’ organiser and Arrowtown artist Ed Cruikshank said some “real gems” and very special pieces were among the collection that experts estimated to be well in excess of their initial estimate.

“Interest has been huge from both artists and buyers. Both Shane Woolridge and myself have custom-built our pieces for the cause and those pieces refer specifically to the earthquake,” he said.

“Pat Day’s piece is a very significant piece that hails from 1988.

“The response has been quite staggering. The auction is a great example of how people can carry on with their normal lives and continue giving to the people of Christchurch.”

Pieces are expected to sell from as little as $500 up to $30,000, with organisers hoping to raise a grand total of $100,000.

Anyone is welcome to attend the event and to place phone bids. More information on individual pieces is available.

‘Art with Heart’ will be held at the Millhouse Conference Centre on Friday March 25th. Viewing will be from 530pm, canapés and bubbles will be served from 6pm, and the auction will follow at 6.30pm.

The auctioneer will be David Murray of Bayleys Queenstown. He was born and raised in Christchurch, still has family there and is deeply connected to the Christchurch community.

All proceeds will go to the Red Cross New Zealand 2011 Earthquake Appeal.

To view information on the artworks and artists go to www.millbrook.co.nz

ENDS

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