Cans and art for a worthy cause

Rotorua Arts Village volunteer Marjorie Fox has been collecting cans for the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal as part of its art exhibition. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua's Arts Village is getting behind a good cause through its latest exhibition, which features more than 200 stunning but affordable artworks.

The Arts Village 200 show runs from until December 14, featuring 230 works from both well-established local artists and emerging artists who are exhibiting their work for the first time.

Programmes manager Ally Rogers said the event was the first of its kind to be held at The Arts Village and described it as a fast-paced art sale.

"It's kind of like speed dating between art and buyers, where all the works can be no bigger than 200mm by 200mm and the price must be $200 or under. Once a piece is bought it is immediately given to the purchaser and replaced by a new work," she said.

"It's a fast and affordable art show, I guess, where you can get beautiful works at a bargain price."

The show is a fundraiser for The Arts Village, which is independently run, but is also supporting the Rotorua Daily Post Christmas Appeal.

Last month, the Rotorua Daily Post launched its annual Christmas Appeal with the Rotorua Weekender and The Hits 97.5FM, selecting the Salvation Army Foodbank to receive donations of food and cash.

Ms Rogers said she was excited for The Arts Village to be getting involved with the appeal to help the foodbank and those in need this Christmas.

The exhibition opened earlier this week, at the same time as The Arts Village's Christmas party was held, and all guests were urged to support the Rotorua community by donating cans of food to the appeal.

Dozens of goods were collected, with more expected, Ms Rogers said.

Throughout the show, guests and exhibitors are being encouraged to bring along some non-perishable items to donate to the cause.

Ms Rogers said many of the artworks on show would make great Christmas presents.

"We are blown away by the depth of talent and are very proud to be exhibiting them all."

The exhibition is open from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays, until December 14.

For more information, visit www.artsvillage.org.nz.

*Donations to the Christmas Appeal can be made at our Hinemoa St office between 8am and 5pm on weekdays. People can donate money or non-perishable food. Food donations can also be made at the Salvation Army's Community Ministries at Community House on Haupapa St. To help, please contact reporter Adriana Weber on (07) 343 6897 or email adriana.weber@dailypost.co.nz.