Artwork sale to pay for landscaping

FUNDING: The Featherston Community Centre on Wakefield St.

Work by Wairarapa artists to help finance spruce-up of Featherston Community Centre’s surrounds

The Featherston Community Centre's grounds are up for a revamp with money for the project being raised through an art show featuring Wairarapa artists.

The Wairarapa Art Sale, a cash-and-carry exhibition, will run the same weekend as Featherston Booktown in May.

Art committee member Emily Greenberg said the money raised from the May 20-22 show would be put towards landscaping the outside of the community centre, making it more inviting.

She said there were plans for outdoor seating areas, expanding the newly established community garden, and making the grounds more family friendly with the Toy Library's recent relocation to the site.

The exhibition would give people coming to Featherston for Booktown "another exciting event to attend".

Artists were now being sought for the Wairarapa Art Sale, with preference being given to artists with a connection to Featherston.

Ms Greenberg said preference had been given to Featherston residents as "over 30 artists from the town of a high calibre" had been identified by art show organisers at a meeting.

"The town has really taken off with an influx of creative people who have moved there recently."

People wishing to submit artworks could apply on the Featherston Community Centre website. The selection process is open until May 1, with successful applicants being notified soon afterwards.

Artists must have a connection to the Wairarapa region and all artworks must be for sale and priced between $25 and $500.

A commission, of at least 20 per cent, would be taken from sales for the revamp.

Ms Greenberg said some artists had already indicated they would be donating the total proceeds from their work.

She said the exhibition would boast well known, established artists, youth entrants, and "some real gems" by talented artists in the community who had been under the radar.

Everyone was welcome to attend the show's opening at 6pm on Thursday, May 19, where there would be wine and nibbles.

Ms Greenberg said volunteers were needed for the opening night and the three-day exhibition. She said volunteering did not need to be a big commitment.

Tasks would include greeting people, supervising the artworks, handling cash and Eftpos transactions and wrapping purchases.

"We're looking for people who can give a couple of hours or more of their time to help at a great local event.

"In return volunteers can expect to enjoy an art show, meet new people and help in raising money for the Featherston Community Centre."

The Featherston Community Centre on Wakefield St has been around for more than 20 years and is owned by a charitable trust. Ms Greenberg said the centre was generally maintained using money raised through hireage fees, with major renovations funded through donations and grants.