Charity art auction a passport to Europe

Media Release

22 March 2010

Charity art auction a passport to Europe for Low Decile Linwood College Orchestra

In a bid to send the orchestra from Christchurch’s Linwood College to Europe in 2011, more than 130 pieces of art will be sold at Turners Auctions on Friday, 26 March.

Tom Davies, teacher and trip organiser at Linwood College, says many of the works are collector’s pieces, so meeting their goal of raising $25,000 is realistic.

“It’s a huge ask to come up with $200,000 to send 60 kids to Europe. We’ve all been fundraising for a year and thanks to the generosity of the community are making great progress,” says Tom.

Internationally-renowned Christchurch artist Keith Morant is an avid supporter of the school and has provided what he describes as one of his best new works, ‘Kiwi Summer’ to the auction, along with three other paintings. These four works are valued at $35,000.

But the question on everyone’s lips is how much Prime Minister John Key’s piece will sell for. Mr Key has, literally, taken pen to paper and submitted a doodle of the Beehive in support of the fundraiser.

Other artists in the line up include some of our best national and regional talent including Grahame Sydney, Bill Hammond, Philip Trusttum and Gretchen Albrecht.

“The fact these artists are helping us get to our goal is humbling. A lot of our students come from modest backgrounds – many haven’t travelled outside of the South Island. Though parts of the itinerary are to be confirmed, we’re hoping to play at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall. This could be the trip of a lifetime for some of our kids,” says Tom. 

Ian Curry from Turners Christchurch says this is the biggest art auction of its kind in the South Island, and that his team are thrilled to donate their time to make it a success.

The forty most prominent pieces of art will be sold by outcry auction and the other ninety will be sold through a silent auction. The art is open for viewing and bidding from Saturday March 20th at Turners Christchurch and runs through to the live outcry auction on Friday March 26, at 7pm. Phone bidding for the outcry items will be available for those outside Christchurch.

“Make no mistake – although this is a community auction – the calibre of art means we’ve had interest from around the country and from as far abroad as England, Canada and Italy,” says Ian.

The auction itself will be a colourful affair, with orchestra members assisting Ian in presenting the works, and five, who have formed a barber shop quintet, will provide entertainment. 

“The school has improved beyond recognition in the last five years. Our kids are getting amazing opportunities thanks to stellar support from the community and our local artists. We’re the only school in the area with a rising roll,” says Tom

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