Art lovers to converge at exhibition

Riversdale’s biggest yearly event, the mixed media art exhibition, will begin with an official opening at the community centre tonight.

Riversdale Arts president Christine O’Connor said a wide range of artwork from throughout the country would be on show and virtually all of it was for sale.

‘‘There’s a lot of spectacular work - wood, wire, glass, copper, ceramics and much more,’’ O’Connor said.

The exhibition will be the 44th held by Riversdale Arts, which invites exhibitors to take part.

New Zealand’s top portrait artist, Stephen Martyn Welch, of Wanaka, has seven of his works among the 353 exhibits.

Welch has painted some of the country’s most well-known people, including governor generals, musicians and All Blacks.

‘‘He likes to capture the essence of a person. I think he’s amazing.’’

The winner of the emerging artists’ section will receive $1000.

To be eligible, artists had to be 25 years or younger and based in Southland.

Twenty one entries were received and Jim and Marcella Geddes, of the Eastern Southland Gallery, selected 10 finalists.

The emerging artists’ section was a valuable stepping-stone for young people, O’Connor said.

‘‘They learn to exhibit, it’s good for their confidence and it puts their work out there.’’

Last year’s winner, Stacey Butler, of Ardlussa, has six pieces of her photogram collection in the main exhibition this year.

Preparations for started in January.

About 25 committee members and supporters have been busy since Saturday setting up the artwork.

‘‘There’s been hours and hours of volunteer work go into making it happen.’’

The exhibition runs for 10 days and artwork bought can be collected on July 30-31. the exhibition