Art auction draws diverse organisation together
THE Dunedin service centre of New Zealand Red Cross is overflowing with works of art.
The various paintings, drawings, etchings, prints, and photographs are from artists all around New Zealand, and will be offered at the Dunedin Charity Art Auction to be held on Friday August 24 in the Community Gallery on Princes Street.
New Zealand Red Cross is a multifaceted organisation. Staff and volunteers are involved in various programmes, including disaster response, recovery and preparedness, refugee resettlement services, refugee employment support, a community transport service, mealsonwheels deliveries, youth programmes, and firstaid training. All of this means that there are not many events that will draw people together from throughout the diverse organisation.
Now in its third year, the art auction achieves this feat, and organisers are happy that the auction is a kind of ‘‘shop window’’ where the public can meet Red Cross personnel, enjoy bidding on some quality artwork and help to raise funds for the organisation.
‘‘When we held the first auction two years ago, many people commented on what an enjoyable evening it was,’’ Humanitarian Services Coordinator Steve King says. ‘‘We realised that one of its strengths was the potential to bring people together in an event that was both a successful fundraiser, and also a really entertaining social occasion.’’
He is also grateful for the widespread support from many artists.
‘‘When we started out we were sourcing work from mainly Otago or Otagotrained artists; this year we have gone further afield and introduced some great works of art from artists who may not be so well known locally.’’
Amongst the 50 or so artists contributing this year are Kathryn Madill, Ewan McDougall, Dean Raybould, Jonette Murray, Sue Syme, Ron Esplin, Jasmine Middlebrook, and many more.
Preauction entertainment will be provided by the Tui Quartet, in what will be their final Dunedin appearance, as members are relocating at the end of the year. Volunteers with the Red Cross Disaster Welfare and Support Team will serve refreshments during the entertainment.
The gallery will be open for public viewing from 9.30am5.30pm Tuesday to Friday next week. Intending bidders must register prior to auction. Absentee and telephone bids will also be accepted. Images of the art on offer can also be viewed on the Facebook event page ‘‘Dunedin Art Auction’’.
Proceeds will be used to support the work of New Zealand Red Cross in communities across Aotearoa, and around the world.