12 September 2011
Kaikoura Artist supports Christchurch Arts

Twenty original artworks inspired by and celebrating Christchurch before the earthquakes are to be exhibited in Kaikoura at Hislops Cafe, Beach Rd this Sunday.

Entitled “For Christchurch”, artist Karen James is supporting Christchurch’s Court Theatre by making every piece in the exhibition available for purchase, with all proceeds being donated to The Court Theatre’s fundraising appeal for the new theatre in Addington.

James started the Christchurch-themed works within days of the quake to capture how she remembers Christchurch. “It didn’t feel right to paint any other subject amidst all the tragedy going on after February 22nd,” she says. ”Each work is mixed media, which symbolises much about Christchurch, with its rich tapestry of culture, history, the land and its people.

Most of the pictures have been framed using moulding generously supplied by Larson Juhl, from stock which survived the Christchurch earthquakes. James feels any minor “imperfections” left on the frames by the quake “fit the spirit of the artwork perfectly”.

Court Theatre Chief Executive Philip Aldridge says he is hugely appreciative of the donation by James. “For Karen to donate a great deal of her time and energy to the theatre is very generous,” Aldridge says.

Each artwork can be purchased from the minimum price of $550 and will be displayed at Hislops Cafe until 25 September. Any unsold pieces will be displayed for sale in the foyer of the new Court Theatre in Addington when it opens at the end of 2011.

The Court Theatre is currently running an exclusive auction on Trademe; the successful bidder can choose one artwork to purchase before the exhibition opens to the general public. The on-line auction closes on Saturday 17 September at 1pm.

Representatives from The Court Theatre will be appearing at the opening of the exhibition in Kaikoura at 2pm Sunday 18 September.

FOR CHRISTCHURCH - a fundraising exhibition by Karen James for The Court Theatre. 2pm 18 September 2011 until 5pm 25 September 2011. Hislops Cafe Conference Room, Beach Road, Kaikoura

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