Ponder brothers hit Whanganui to raise money for Hospice

Artists Mike and Richard Pondor have set up an exhibition in the old Shanton shop on Victoria Ave as a fundraiser for Hospice Whanganui. Photo/ Stuart Munro

Renowned New Zealand painters Mike and Richard Ponder are in town to host a fundraising exhibition for Hospice Whanganui.

The brothers have been professional artists for more than 40 years but now, in semi-retirement mode, they host three exhibitions around the country each year to raise money for Hospice.

"In three years they've raised $145,000 with money returned to Hospice in the area it was collected," Mike said.

"We've decided to keep going until we've got to the magic $250,000 mark

"We're committed to the Hospice and that's the way it'll stay. We both think it's a very worthwhile thing to be involved in."

The brothers are known for their pallete-knife painting but have also published books.

The exhibition, Ponder This, is open to the public from Thursday on Victoria Ave and will feature original art, prints, art cards and books for sale.

"People may only want to spend $3.50 on an art card or 10 grand on a painting. There's something for everybody," Mike said.

Pallete-knife painting was something Richard said he stumbled across by chance.

"And this is the way in which I have treated art. Those happy accidents that happen sometimes create something fantastic," he said.

"We both agree that a person should look at a painting and they should get more than they are seeing in the painting."

Mike said their unique individual styles had been behind their success over decades.

"It's very rare in New Zealand, there's probably less that a handful, that have been able to live off their art for 40 years.

"Because we invented our style, we didn't copy any other artist, that is why we were able to do it as a full-time profession."

Ponder This is open daily at 52 Victoria Ave (in the Rutland Building) from November 23 to December 9 from 10am to 4:30pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10:30am to 3pm on Sundays.