CREATIVE THINKING: Rigorous selection ensures art show will be a winner

THE Tauranga Society of Artists invite you to attend their Annual Exhibition which will open to the public from tomorrow at Baycourt.
This year the exhibition, put on with the support of major sponsor Trustpower, and additionally The Red Studio and Associated Lifts, will run over three days and is also providing the added bonus of being open for viewing in the evenings - a wonderful treat on the way home from work or to share some time with friends or family on a quiet winter's evening.
It is expected that about 60 artists with up to three pieces each will display their work which has to pass rigorous selection standards to be approved for exhibiting.
The work must be completed by artists in the last 12 months and not have been exhibited previously which ensures that the work is current and new for the public.
In the past, the exhibition has drawn regular supporters and buyers to view and purchase the very high standard of work from experienced artists and new emerging artists.
There is always a large variety of subject matter and many different styles and genres. Everyone can enjoy the art works and many leave having purchased a precious piece to enjoy in their home.
Last year 65 artists exhibited 156 works of art. Many comments were received on the extremely high standard of art exhibited and the professional and pleasing way the exhibition had been presented.
This year the presentation and standard will be similar.
The annual Supreme Art Award this year will be judged by well-known and experienced Tauranga international artist, Richard Smith.
This award is judged on technique, subject matter and expertise mainly and is highly prized by the artists exhibiting their work.
Each year a different judge applies his or her values to choose the best piece of artwork that in their opinion is worthy to receive the Supreme Art Award.
Last year the Supreme Award was judged by Nick Eggleston who said that this was an extremely hard task as the standard was so high.
He chose a long acrylic painting of the Central Otago Hills entitled Red Tussock of Onslow painted by Helen Rowlands and said he had chosen it because he would like to have it hanging on his wall at home.
The runner-up for the Supreme Art Award was Debbie Emslie whose watercolour painting of a Venice canal was extremely well executed and very beautiful.
Tauranga Society of Artists hold Tuesday evening sessions at their clubrooms and, with a healthy membership of over 210 members, it is a great opportunity to learn from others with exposure to a wide range of mediums, styles and ideas or to share your own skills and knowledge.
Contact Creative Tauranga for further contact details.
Dates: Friday, June 18 to Sunday, June 20. Time: 9am-9 pm Friday & Saturday / 9am-3 pm Sunday.
Venue: Baycourt Exhibition Centre