* 27th November 2006*

Save Happy Valley

Art Exhibition and Auction

*Artists and activists, with a desire to express their dissatisfaction with
the environmental destruction being caused by coal mining on the West Coast,
have combined to exhibit and auction artworks in support of the campaign at
the "Save Happy Valley" auction at High Street Project, Christchurch. *

The Save Happy Valley Coalition has invited over forty artists to provide
artworks, which will be available for viewing (and silent bidding) from
Tuesday 28 th November 2006) through till the auction at 7pm on Friday
1stDecember. The evening will be presented by Nandor Tanczos MP,
Environment
spokesperson for the Green Party.

*The "Save Happy Valley" Art Exhibition and Auction includes paintings and
sculptures inspired by the campaign, evocative photos of Happy Valley and
other works by artists who support the call for environmental and social
justice. *

*Contributions include works by Mary Anderson, Karma Barnes, Sharon Blance,
Rudolf Boelee, Andrew Forrest, Colin Luxton, Oliver Mitchell, Rua Pick,
Craig Potton, Malcolm Walker and Llew Summers, along with photographic works
of Happy Valley by Jenny Bell, Tim Bailey and Malcolm Carr.

*

*"Art is an expression of personal ideas through a desired medium, creating
something new to be experienced by the community, a sharing of perception,
of ideology, and often a challenge for us to think in new ways. Activism is
the expression of personal ideas, an invitation to communities to share an
ideology, an appeal for a rethinking of the structures which benefit few,
and a challenge for us to question our own involvement within that system.
Activist campaigns are therefore analogous to artwork in their expression of
ideas from one group to the wider society. our Community is our Canvas.
Artists are dependent upon the community around them for support in the
exploration of their expression. This support can come from interactive
critique, feedback and encouragement; support through money or barter in
exchange for an artistic experience or art work. For activism to be
successful it is reliant upon support from communities. Change can only be
effected if the community is willing," says Frances Mountier, of the Save
Happy Valley Coalition.
*

* *

*"From this standpoint the Save Happy Valley Art Exhibition and Auction is a
celebration of the depth of community participation in this campaign. The
community provides our influx of resources and ideas and it provides our
forums for expression. Artists, activists and the wider community are all
woven through this campaign, and it is on this strength that the Coalition
stands."*

*Artworks can be previewed at www.savehappyvalley.org.nz/auction *

* *
Ends

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