NZ Art Show 2015 - 300 Artists & Thousands of Artworks
Sculpture, rocking horses, ancient photographic techniques, woollen sculptures, wet-plate photography, archival prints
on aluminium, woodblock prints, ceramics, feathers and blankets are some of the features of the artwork being exhibited
at this year’s NZ Art Show. The Show, the largest curated art sale in the country, will feature some 3,000 artworks by
300 artists from New Zealand’s four corners, and some artists currently living overseas.
NZ Art Show executive director Carla Russell says, “We’re really excited about the quality and diversity of the art that
will be showcased at this year’s Show. Of the 300 artists exhibiting, 90 of them are new to the Show - so, in addition
to some of your favourite artists, there'll be plenty of fresh talent for you to enjoy.”
Amongst the artists exhibiting are Ben Timmins who won the NZ Art Show’s Signature Piece Art Award for three successive
years and Catherine Roberts, last year’s Signature Piece Award winner and recipient of the Show’s inaugural Artist
Grant. Both Ben and Catherine have enjoyed a long association with the Show and are established professional artists
whose work has won critical acclaim.
New exhibitors whose work captured the attention of the selection panel include Timothy Jones and Joe Helmore both from
Auckland, Sculptor Matthew Williams from Canterbury and from Wellington, Weta Workshop technician Piotr Wysocki and City
Councillor Simon Woolf.
Electronics Engineer Piotr Wysocki and his family, originally from Poland, moved to Wellington to work in the local film
industry. They needed lamps for their new home but they couldn’t find one they liked so Piotr used his creative and
engineering skills to create stylish lamps. He will be exhibiting five such lamps in the Show, moulded from a single
piece of bent black walnut wood.
Wellington City Councillor Simon Woolf, well known for his photographic forays in and around Wellington, has been a
long-time supporter of the Show but this is the first time he will be exhibiting. His moody photographic pieces capture
the essence of Wellington in dramatic atmospheric tones.
Carla Russell says “Over the past decade, the NZ Art Show has won a reputation for showcasing original quality New
Zealand art at affordable prices. The Show provides visitors with the opportunity to start or add to their art
collection while at the same time supporting New Zealand artists and the arts community. With some 3,000 artworks on
sale and across such a wide array of mediums, we’re confident that you’ll be able to find the perfect piece that suits
you.”
As in previous years, the Show is being held in the Events Centre on Wellington’s waterfront over three days. The Show
opens with a Gala Evening on Thursday, 18 June, with open days from Friday, 19 June to Sunday, 21 June 2015.
“Each year brings something different, something unique, something unexpected, and something inspired and special. The
artwork submitted was exceptional and the selection panel have selected works by established and renowned artists, many
of whom have exhibited at past Shows and whose work continues to evolve, as well as that of talented, emerging artists.”
Visitors will also recognise the work of returning artists – Northland artist Janine Whitelaw, Auckland photographer
Saehae Lee, Horowhenua artist Sue Lund, Wellington artists Mia Hamilton and Anna Stitchbury and Otago artist Kathryn
Pender.
A full list of the exhibiting artists for this year’s Show is on the website, see
http://artshow.co.nz/Exhibiting+Artists+2015.
The Art Show is open to the public by general admission. The art displayed is constantly changing so there is always
something different to see. Tickets cost $10 each, concessions $7, with children 12 years and under free. Tickets and
gift vouchers can be purchased online at http://artshow.co.nz/buy+tickets and door sales are also available.
ENDS