PM lends his artistic flair to school event

Turakina student Isabella Ford, 12, with the Prime Minister's contribution to the art auction. Photo/Bevan Conley

Amateur artist John Key has donated a drawing of his workplace to the Turakina School Art Expo this year.

The Prime Minister is one of 70 contributors to the fundraising event for the school southeast of Whanganui which is currently running as an auction on Trade Me and the art works can be viewed at the school tomorrow.

Julie Perkins of the school Friends and Whanau group is organising the expo and said amateur and professional artists have been very generous.

"It is a big thing for someone to give you their work when you know that is how they make their living," she said.

"It is a bit like if you went to someone's farm and asked them to give you one of their sheep, it is heartening that they are so willing to help."

There are photographic works by Lady Janine Mateparae and Rita Dibert, a vase by glass artist Katie Brown and a linocut by MP Chester Borrows.

Renowned artist Dick Frizzell has contributed two of his works and the band Fat Freddy's Drop have donated a limited print signed by the band members.

Mrs Perkins said it would be good if this year's auction brings in something like the $9000 that was raised at the 2014 auction.

The Expo will be open from 10am until 2pm tomorrow to mark the anniversary of last year's floods.

"It will be an excellent day off the farm or out of the house to connect with the community," said Mrs Perkins.

"The Rural Trust will be there if anyone would like to find out about the excellent work they did to support our rural community a year ago."

Turakina Playcentre which has recently relocated to Turakina School will be holding an open day as well as providing tea, coffee and baking for sale.

To view the expo online visit the Trade Me art section and search keyword Turakina.