"It has a ripple effect when an artist sells their work. Not only is the buyer getting a unique work of art and the pleasure of knowing they have supported local artists, but also the artist gains a huge amount of satisfaction that someone loved their work enough to buy it and is also then able to purchase more materials to create more work," says McKenzie.
All artists involved are mostly new or developing artists with a few more established names also taking part.
Three new artists who have sold well at the exhibition so far are Stephanie Brebner, Clive Armstrong and Lesley Robb.
Stephanie Brebner's work was one of 32 chosen in the 2012 Miles Art Award in the Tauranga Art Gallery and for this exhibition, she has created illustrative works that conjure up feelings of childhood. All her works sold out on opening night, but more are coming soon.
Clive Armstrong has been quietly creating work since the mid-90s, but this year saw him take up this passion full-time when he found himself out of work - a result of the economic downturn.
The Garden & Art Festival was a highly successful venture for him and his works were snapped up at a steady pace. His quirky handiworks have an element of humour that draws people in - viewers have fun working out what recycled parts he has used to create these steel-based sculptural works.
Lesley Robb has participated in some of the group exhibitions that have been a highlight over the year at Creative Tauranga Gallery.
Her style cannot be confined in one genre; her pieces in this small works exhibition are formed with a mix of illustration and carving.
The works are based around the Huia bird and are simply gorgeous.
This merry cash-and-carry exhibition is on until December 19, then will reopen January 9 and close February 4.
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm or Saturdays 10am-4pm.
