Call for submissions for Galleria exhibition

Rotorua artists have just a few days left to submit their work for an upcoming exhibition.

Exploring the contrasting themes of "large scale" and "the delicate," the latest show at Rotorua Lake Council's Galleria will open on April 17.

Artists are invited to submit up to 10 images of "high quality", "arresting", and "contemporary work" for consideration before the deadline on Monday.

Final judgment on the artworks will be made by Rotorua Museum art curator Karl Chitham.

The fledgling galleria unveiled its debut exhibition last December, and Tania Short, the council's senior lead adviser, said the reaction from artists had been positive. "Feedback from local artists who have seen the space is one of excitement at the possibilities it offers to show off their work," she said.

Ms Short believed the galleria had an important role to play in Rotorua's creative community, after the closure of Red Spot Gallery on Haupapa St last year "left a hole in the local market for quality gallery spaces to exhibit in".

The galleria's first show, Whakapapa featured work from artists with Te Arawa genealogy.

Ms Short said the public response to the exhibition had also been good, with a number of pieces sold.

When asked about the theme of the upcoming show, she said it had been inspired by the exhibiting space at the galleria. "Bigger scale works look good in the galleria because its walls are so large, and there's also the contrast of the plinths to show the smaller work."

*Submissions can be emailed to marc.spijkerbosch@rdc.govt.nz.