More than 100 spectacular pieces of art are expected to grace the second floor of Terrace House during Artists Open Studios. Terrace House is the large building where Te Rito is now situated, on the corner of Wicksteed and Watt streets. The building is recognisable by its criss-cross concrete design.
Old Age New Age charity art exhibition and silent auction is an artistic move to raise funds for Age Concern Whanganui.
Organisers Jan Bullen, Andrea Bullock and Michael Haggie say they are very happy with progress and the numbers they expect to exhibit. They've been planning this since early last year.
"We're a happy team," says Jan. "But what we've had to do, because of Covid, is change our format. We were going to have a gala night and an opening night. Instead, we are going to have two evenings during the time we are open: on March 23 we will have a function, and on March 26 a function. These functions are thank yous for the artists, supporters, helpers and friends."
The functions will be invitation only.
Andrea says the chosen venue has a perfect outlook and lots of natural light for the display of the work and fresh air for the comfort of patrons, especially those cautious about going out in public in the current environment.
"It really is well ventilated and it opens out on to a deck," says Andrea.
"Finding the venue was the big breakthrough," says Michael. All agree that building owner Hadleigh Reid has been accommodating and helpful.
The original idea for the exhibition was for 100 donated canvases to go out to participating artists, for them to do whatever they liked. Some artists have chosen to do more than one work.
"People have been so generous," says Andrea. She says Fine Arts Academy in Wellington has supplied a number of works for the exhibition.