Designer Katy Wallace is project lead for The Affordable Art Exhibition, which opens on Friday at Gizzy Local. Photo / Kim Parkinson
Designer Katy Wallace is project lead for The Affordable Art Exhibition, which opens on Friday at Gizzy Local. Photo / Kim Parkinson
Something arty is happening at community space Gizzy Local on Lowe St as Gisborne designer Katy Wallace and husband Paulus McKinnon unpack and hang works ahead of the Affordable Art Exhibition opening on Friday.
The criteria for submissions was the works be under $250 and the result is an eclecticselection, including prints, paintings, glass art and photography.
“I wanted to offer a show to the creative community and audience that would make art accessible and affordable,” Wallace said.
“It’s a successful concept I’ve seen in larger cities over the years and something which gives artists an opportunity to exhibit and sell, while giving locals a chance to start or grow their collections from people they know in their community.”
She used the Gizzy Local social media platform to gauge interest and got an overwhelmingly positive response.
“It has been an open invitation to participate and we’ve got a fantastic range - from first-time exhibitors to well-known, established artists.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity to purchase some art. There are some lovely gems in the show.”
Around 20 artists are taking part - from first-time exhibitors like Lucy Hands (photography) and Cat Jones (painting) to established artists Morva Thomson (fabric), Conor Jeory (multimedia), Phoebe Gander (multimedia), John Pennington (photography) and Kenzie Sampson (painting).
Wairoa artists Francis Woodhead (glass) and John Simpson (stone sculpture) are also in it, as are Gisborne Printmakers Group members Torri Stewart and Ruth E. Helmling aka Ninja.
“People are really excited to be part of this and the work we’ve received is fantastic,” said Wallace, who received funding through the Gisborne District Council-administered Creative Communities Scheme to help with costs.
The exhibition opens on Friday night at 5.30pm and runs to 4pm on Sunday.
