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130 artists + 500 paintings + 3 days = teaching excellence at Auckland Grammar School

Every year since 2003, Auckland Grammar School’s famous Main Hall has been transformed into a vibrant gallery of oils and acrylics, watercolours, pencil sketches and photography, offered by renowned local and national artists in support of the school’s Academic Endowment Fund.

2011 is the ninth consecutive occasion on which the school will host the popular exhibition. This year a new category will be included – editorial cartooning. The works, specially selected from the New Zealand Cartoon Archive, provide an entertaining and incisive commentary on many political, economic, sporting and cultural moments that have helped shape our history as a nation. ‘Our guests will get a fascinating and intimate view – and be able to purchase – some of the memorable images that have let us smile about the newsworthy events from our daily lives,’ says Art Exhibition Committee Chairperson Annabel Lush.

This year many artists familiar to the exhibition are returning, including Paul Dibble, Dick Frizzell, Max Gimblett, and Gregor Kregar. In addition to the regular contributors, the Art Selection Sub-Committee is delighted to have secured a number of new and exciting names, to ensure a wide range of artistic genres. A newcomer to the Exhibition, photographer Steve Thomson, is currently working as Sir Ian McKellen's personal assistant during filming of The Hobbit, but says the prospect of exhibiting at the Auckland Grammar School ART EXPO was ‘impossible to resist’. ‘Art appreciates with appreciation,’ says Thomson, ‘and therefore an opportunity to put work on the wall in front of an audience of art lovers for critique and discussion is, I think, an exciting, terrifying and tantalising event for any artist.’

Another first-time exhibitor, multi-media artist Rafael De Armas, agrees with Thomson. ‘A work of art is not complete without the opinion and meaningful participation of the viewer,’ he says, ‘and its display is the most appropriate and desirable way for that connection to occur. Better still, if it also contributes funds for those who made a commitment to education.’

Buying has traditionally been keen on the preview night. As visitors mingle with a glass of wine in hand, red “Sold” stickers appear next to many of the art works. Last year, prices ranged from $150 to $6,000, making art – and an opportunity to contribute to the School – available to every budget.

Over the last eight years, the exhibition has raised $¾million for Auckland Grammar School, thanks to the artists’ support, corporate sponsorship, and the dedicated efforts of volunteers. According to headmaster John Morris, the funds are invaluable in recruiting specialist art teachers who inspire Grammar boys to achieve the standards that give the school its enviable reputation for excellence.

What: ART EXPO hosted by Auckland Grammar School
Dates: 26-28 August 2011
Times: Friday, 26 August: 6.30-9.30pm (ticketed Preview Night)
Saturday, 27 August: 10am-4pm (free entry)
Sunday, 28 August: 10am-2pm (free entry)

Location: Main Hall, Auckland Grammar School, Mountain Road, Epsom.
Tickets to the Friday preview evening cost $50 per person, and are available from the Development Office, Auckland Grammar School. Phone (09) 623 5639 or email development@ags.school.nz

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