MEDIA RELEASE: Affordable Art Exhibition returns for a third year – with some exciting additions!
The Napier Girls’ High School annual Affordable Art Exhibition will take place again this month, with some exciting additions to a format that has already proved popular with serious art lovers after a bargain.

The fundraiser, to be held 17-19 March, provides the opportunity to view and purchase over 300 pieces of artwork created by more than 60 professional artists from throughout New Zealand, as well as art by Napier Girls’ High School students and teachers.

With every piece of artwork priced at $1,000 or less, the exhibition provides a chance to take home top New Zealand art at affordable prices, says Artist Co-ordinator Maree Spackman.
Mrs Spackman is one of five organisers who are all parents of students at Napier Girls’ High School. Collectively they are the driving force behind the community event, which raised more than $25,000 for the school last year, and $20,000 the year before.

“Our goal is to make the 2017 exhibition better than ever, and this year there are even more great reasons to visit including the return of our Exhibition Café and the addition of a Pop-Up Gallery of items priced at under $150.”

Overseeing the Pop-Up Gallery is Carolyn Neville, who says it’s ideal for those wanting to start an art collection, or add to their creative treasures.

“This special wee gem of a gallery will be open throughout the exhibition selling prints, posters, soft furnishings, jewellery, books, photographic images, ceramics, small artworks and more, with prices ranging from $10 to $150. Some artists will only be seen in the Pop-Up Gallery, while others have showcase pieces in the Art Exhibition itself as well as prints or smaller artworks in the Pop-Up Gallery, so there really is something for everyone.”

Mrs Neville is also the exhibition’s Sponsor Co-ordinator and says the exhibition is all about creating a community experience focusing on art, made possible by the generous support of local businesses.
“We’re delighted to have the Napier Brewing Company on board as a new sponsor this year, along with our Foundation sponsors who have supported us right from the start. This year’s Gold Sponsors are Somerset Smith Partners, BDO Hawke’s Bay, No 9 Marketing + Design + Online, printing.com Napier and Gemco Group. Silver Sponsors for 2017 are Bennett & Pearson Optometrists and Sacred Hill Vineyards.”

Logistics & Catering Co-ordinator Anna Sabiston says the Affordable Art Exhibition will be launched with a ticketed Opening Night event (Friday) followed by a two-day exhibition (Saturday and Sunday), with entry by gold coin donation.

“We hope as many people as possible can make it to the launch event on the Friday night – Sacred Hill wine will be flowing, there’ll be craft beer from the Napier Brewing Company on tap, we’ll be serving delicious nibbles prepared by our on-site chef Terry Lowe and most importantly it’s a chance to meet some of the artists and be the first to buy the art. What’s more, three ‘spot prize’ paintings by local artist and exhibition co-founder Heather Wilson will be given away at the launch, but tickets are limited so make sure you don’t miss out!”

Also on offer throughout the fundraiser is a raffle of five fabulous prize packages, collectively valued at over $2,000.

Raffle Co-ordinator Heidi Stiefel says this year’s raffle prizes reflect a creative combination of experiences and gifts, provided by a wide range of businesses eager to support the school.

“We have all sorts of wonderful prizes on offer in our prize packages, from vintage car and bike tours to delicious dinners at wineries and local restaurants, fun activities for the whole family, skincare products, movie passes and so much more – well worth a $5 investment for anyone who would like to support the fundraiser and be in to win!”

Marketing Co-ordinator Amanda Sye says everyone is welcome to attend the three-day exhibition, and visitors can experience an exciting range of creative mediums from paintings, prints and photography to ceramics, mixed media, sculpture and screen prints produced by many of the country’s most talented and respected artists whose work is sought after locally, nationally and internationally.

Funds raised from this year’s Affordable Art Exhibition will be used to enhance student wellbeing.

New principal Dawn Ackroyd is looking forward to experiencing the annual exhibition for the first time. It’s an event she believes not only benefits the school as a whole, but also provides students with a range of real-life ‘behind-the-scenes’ experiences.

“While it is an entertaining way to involve the community and raise money for the school, the fundraiser also allows the girls to gain ‘hands-on’ experience of staging a large, creative community event that requires a wide range of skill sets, co-operation, hard work and positive energy.”

Special thanks to our Gold and Silver Sponsors for their support:

Gold:
Somerset Smith Partners
BDO Hawke’s Bay
No 9 Marketing + Design + Online
Printing.com Napier
Gemco Group
The Napier Brewing Company

Silver:
Sacred Hill Vineyards
Bennett & Pearson Optometrists
Further information:
The exhibition will be held at the Napier Girls’ High School hall, Clyde Road, Napier on 17 -19 March 2017.
Tickets to the Opening Night cost $30 per person and include drinks, canapés by award-winning chef Terry Lowe, a chance to meet the artists involved and the first opportunity to purchase art. They are available from the Napier Girls’ High School office or by emailing nghsartexhib@gmail.com
The cost to visit the exhibition is a gold coin donation.
To see examples of artwork from exhibiting artists, visit the Affordable Art Exhibition Napier Facebook page www.facebook.com/AffordableArtExhibitionNapier.

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