Emerging artists steal the show
Tawa painter Gerda Smit will take part in the New Zealand Art Show for the fifth time when the country’s largest annual art exhibition begins next week.
Smit’s entries this year are bold and bright, depicting flowers and Porirua’s iconic boatsheds.
She said painting is what gets her out of bed every morning, being afflicted with symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Smith said ME/CFS had even become a gift, giving her the time to paint.
In recent years she has shown her work at various exhibitions and galleries, and at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. She also tutors evening classes at Tawa College.
The New Zealand Art Show introduces emerging artists to the public and is an opportunity to sell their work at affordable prices – between $50 and $5000. It will showcase nearly 3000 pieces by 419 artists.
This year’s event is on from August 2 to 5 at the TSB Arena in Wellington. It will provide more contemporary art works in a wider range of media than in past years, said selection panel convenor Lynne Sandri.
“This is consistent with the trend towards artists experimenting and pushing the boundaries of their media.”
All art accepted for the show must be original and from New Zealand artists or artists living in New Zealand. For more information, including a full list of exhibiting artists, visit the web-
site: artshow.co.nz.
The New Zealand Art Show, gala evening (sold out) August 2, 10am till 7.30pm August 3-4, 10am till 6pm August 5. Tickets $10, concessions $7, children 12 years and under free. To pre-purchase, email tickets@artshow.co.nz. Door sales are also available.