Opportunity to meet Rotorua Museum Art Awards finalists

Cheyenne Rose with her work Legs. Photo/Supplied

Rotorua Museum is giving art fans the chance to talk to the artists behind the work in the 2017 Rotorua Museum Art Awards.

Artists will be at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre to answer questions about their work this Sunday between 2pm and 3.30pm.

One of the artists attending is this year's Friends of Rotorua Museum Emerging Artist winner Cheyenne Rose who said she was excited to be able to explain her work further.

"It will be great to meet people who appreciate local art and have an interest in getting to know the artists and story behind the piece."

Bessie Pahimata Carpenter with her work Pake, Kete and Tahei. Photo/Supplied

Rotorua Museum events and engagement co-ordinator, Tori Williams, said there were amazing stories behind some of the artworks which really brought them to life.

"Having the opportunity to learn more about the works gives you a different perspective on the works and makes you look at them with new eyes.

"We expect about half the artists with works on display in the Rotorua Museum Art Awards Finalist Exhibition 2017 to be able to attend on Sunday. Many were excited to get the chance to share their work with the public," she said.

The Rotorua Museum Art Awards Finalist Exhibition 2017 showcased 47 finalist works selected by judge, Emma Bugden, from the 148 entered in this year's competition.

While the exhibition is on display people can vote for their favourite artwork either in the gallery or via the Rotorua Museum Facebook page.

Entry to both the event and exhibition are free.

This year, works not selected for the exhibition of finalists are on display in the Salon des Refusés, at Rotorua Library until October 7.

The exhibition is on display at Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre until October 6 from 10am - 4pm.