PM to Open “The Spirit of Sculpture” exhibition

15th June 2005

Prime Minister to open “The Spirit of Sculpture” exhibition at St Matthew-in-the-City

The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Helen Clark, will open “The Spirit of Sculpture” exhibition on June 16 at Auckland’s St Matthew-in-the-City Anglican Church.

Featuring the work of 28 of New Zealand’s top sculptors, the exhibition will be open to the public until June 21. Entry is by donation and all works are for sale.

“We are very honoured to have the Prime Minister’s involvement in this event,” says exhibition organiser Carole Sorrell, who is also chair of the St Matthew’s Centenary Committee.

The artworks have been arriving all week at the historic church, which is now closed to the public until the opening night cocktail party, sponsored by SKYCITY, on Thursday.

The artists have been asked to create pieces suitable for a domestic environment. Their only charge for inspiration has been to reflect on the theme of “spirit.”

Works in the exhibition reflect a broad understanding of spirit, including statements on the environment, expressions of Kiwi spirituality, traditional Christianity and nature as spirituality, whilst others reflect on the power and multiple meanings in religious symbols.

An on-line catalogue of sculptures for sale at the exhibition can be found at the church’s web site, www.stmatthews.org.nz.

St Matthew's share from the sale of the sculptures will contribute to the renovation and restoration of two historical treasures in the church building; the Father Willis Pipe Organ and the St Thomas' Chapel.

The full list of sculptors includes Mary-Louise Browne, Chiara Corbelletto, Bing Dawe, John Edgar, Marian Fountain, Brett Graham, Fred Graham, Paul Hartigan, John Ioane, Virginia King, Gregor Kregar, Barry Lett, David McCracken, Paratene Matchitt, Peter Oxborough, Phil Price, John Radford, Ann Robinson, Peter Roche, Jim Speers, Terry Stringer, Marte Szirmay, Jeff Thomson, Elizabeth Thomson, Filipe Tohi, Greer Twiss, Leon Van Den Eijkel and Jim Wheeler.

For more information about The Spirit of Sculpture exhibition, visit the web site www.stmatthews.org.nz

ENDS

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