Artists think outside the square this year

Frances Sim-Higgins with a few of the pieces from the Small Works Christmas Exhibition. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

The latest exhibition at Wanganui Community Arts Centre proves the old saying that good things come in small packages.

The Small Works Christmas Exhibition, organised by Left Bank Art Supplies, opened yesterday and will run until December 16.

It's the second year the exhibition has been held and Frances Sim-Higgins, from Left Bank, said last year's event was so successful they decided to hold it again.

Artists had to use a canvas which is 230mm by 150mm - a different size and shape canvas from those in last year's exhibition.

"Last year's canvas was square, but we thought it would be good to have it rectangular this year. That way the artists could choose whether to create a landscape or a portrait piece," Ms Sim-Higgins said.

More than 120 works have been submitted for the exhibition and Ms Sim-Higgins said the standard was exceptionally high.

There is everything from paint to pencil to multi-media to mosaics to two works by sculptor Warren Eden, made of acrylic, iron sand and nails.

Other artist who submitted works include Don Hill, Jane Toy, Julz Coffey, Tina Drayton, Gay Downing.

Ms Sim-Higgins said the artists were from Wanganui, except one from Ohakune.

She said being forced to work on such a small scale provided an interesting challenge for many of the artists.

"A lot of them have never worked this small.

"But after the initial 'what should I do?' they love it."

Ms Sim-Higgins said all the works were for sale.

"They're small and reasonably priced, so if you want to buy a piece of local art for yourself or as a Christmas present, it's ideal."

Ms Sim-Higgins said she wished to thank Judi Roberts and Pauline Neilson who helped to hang the exhibition.

Small Works Christmas Exhibition, presented by Left Bank Arts Supplies, at the Wanganui Community Arts Centre, runs until December 16.