Faces of the Coast art show backing suicide prevention in Gisborne

Artist Brett Summerlee has a number of artworks in the Faces of the Coast exhibition, with the show's proceeds going to two community groups. The exhibition opens on Friday at Forty10 Cafe on Lowe St. Photo / Kim Parkinson

Mahi Mahi Bowlriders, a community group that restored the Kaiti skate bowl earlier this year, has been added as a recipient of funds raised at the annual Faces of the Coast art exhibition this year.

The exhibition, in memory of Danny Taniora Carse, was designed to bring attention to suicide prevention and mental health.

It opens on Friday at Forty10 Cafe on Lowe St in central Gisborne.

The paintings on sale will raise money for Mahia Wave Warriors and Mahi Mahi Bowlriders for the work they do in the community.

Organiser and artist Brett Summerlee said the exhibition was a chance to “come together to remember our lost loved ones, talk and plan for a brighter future together”.

It was also the opportunity to support two grassroots organisations that were making a positive difference.

In September, Summerlee was involved in a community project to paint and restore the skate bowl in Kaiti, transforming it from being “unskateable” and dangerous into a community asset.

He has contributed most of the artwork in the exhibition this year, including a painted surfboard and a large fish.

The art teacher at Gisborne Boys’ High School has also included an artwork done by one of his students, AJ Kinsella.

Summerlee said suicide and mental health were major problems in the country, and the exhibition was a way of generating discussion around the issue.

“Many of us have lost loved ones or know someone battling with mental illness,” he said.

In 2020, they lost their friend, Danny Taniora Carse.

“Like many cases, he was an amazingly talented and loving human gone far too early.”

Each piece of art in the exhibition will have a “buy now” price and a bidding option, with all bids starting at $150 to honour and respect the donating artist’s time and generosity.

The exhibition was a great opportunity to buy a special artwork for Christmas, knowing the proceeds were going towards something worthwhile, Summerlee said.

“I’m happy to donate my artwork and always invite other artists to contribute. This will be the sixth year we’ve done it.”

In the past, the money has been used to buy surfboards and wetsuits for Mahia Wave Warriors, who run surf days.

The opening starts at 5pm and runs to 8pm, with sponsors Sunshine Brewing and Wrights Vineyard & Winery providing beer and wine.