Theme Week Challenge - Community (27/10/08)

Every fortnight members are given a theme. They have the next 2 weeks to create an artwork that represents that theme. These will often incorporate a certain technique, style, colour etc as an additional challenge for members. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original and be completed during the 2 week time-frame. Members may choose to interpret the theme in any way they wish. This week members as an added challenge, participants had to incorporate the use of collage into their work.

These were the winners of the "COMMUNITY" theme (27/10/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Helen Sherrock - "The Taumarunui Good Life"

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Jennifer Christiansen - "Flight of the Monarchs"

International Artist Day - October 25th

October 25th is International Artists Day and it's gaining support worldwide. This grassroots movement is not mainstream as yet but artists and galleries in communities everywhere are jumping on the bandwagon. Why?

Artists are a much ignored group although almost anything you use day to day has an artistic design at its root. Throughout history art has been the most important defining characterization of a culture or people. Art survives personalities, dynasties, movements and civilizations. Artists are pioneers and are usually at the forefront of changing times and events. We might well ask why.

True art is timeless and universal and recognizable to all. Where does the inspiration for art come from? What makes some art priceless and other art mediocre? The artist themselves are the lynch pins. Art that is inspired comes from the “unexplainable” and is translated by the artist. If the artist is “tuned into” this area of consciousness, masterpiece works in painting, sculpture, music or prose can manifest. There are thousands in the arts over the centuries of this magnitude, they are natural conduits and are household names because of the recognition of their contribution to culture and humanity.

The day chosen to honor artists worldwide is October 25th, Picassos' birthday. Why this artist and not another was more a matter recent contribution. Picasso was instrumental in bringing art to the masses more than any other artist up to that time. Picasso is the iconic artist personified.

Now more than ever it is important to focus on art and culture. Mainstream television, globalization and the internet are wiring everyone up to the lowest common denominator. True living requires atunement to our common humanity which is accessed through inspiration and the arts. By giving our attention to artists, we have the opportunity for one day to focus on what is eternal and timeless in our civilization. Just as Remembrance Day is important for the pausing to reflect, Oct. 25th can give us a reason to participate in the arts personally.people, you didn't grow up with art as an important aspect of living, but “the buck stops here” when it comes to your kids and we need to take more of an interest for their sakes.

By Marilyn Hurst - Founder
http://internationalartistday.com/

Guild Members Exhibitions - November 2008

The following are some of the amazing exhibitions being held by NZ Art Guild Members during the month of November. If you are in the area please stop by and have a look - support New Zealand Artists!!!

Solo Exhibition
When: 24th October - 7th November
Where: Kava Cafe, Seddon Street, Waihi
Participating Guild Artist: Trish Macready

City Of Dunedin Art Awards
When: 1st - 30th November
Where: Otago Art Society, First Floor, Dunedin Railway Station, Anzac Square, Dunedin
Participating Guild Artist: Tanya Dann, Jane Santos, Janet Marshall and Marimba Powley

The Otago Art Society is open 10am-4pm 7 days

Tauranga First National Art Awards
When: 10th - 16th November
Where: Farmer Motor Group, New Auto Village in Hewletts Road, Tauranga
Participating Guild Artists: TBC

Auction Evening: The eleven award-winning artworks will be auctioned on Wednesday, 12 November 2008 at 6 pm
NZ Art Guild are proud sponsors - Best watercolour - $500 and winners of all 11 categories will receive a annual subscription to the NZ Art Guild

“HANDS ACROSS THE WORLD”
When: 12th - 15th November
Where: House of Prayer, 9B Binsted Road, New Lynn, Auckland
Participating Guild Artists: TBC

Opening night - Wed 12 November 2008 7.00pm tickets $10 adults - under 12 free- Viewing & sale of artworks - Parade & sale of 100+ original “born again” recycled women’s clothes AND “one off” exquisite gowns & coats - Auction of donated artworks
Exhibition hours - Thursday – Saturday 13—15 November 10am-
FIRST PRIZE Adults $500 Children $100
100% of Proceeds to The Family Centre in Romania - a New Zealand & Romanian initiative preventing abandonment of children in Romania

Christmas Cracker House Tour - Whitford Country Tour and Market Stall
When: 14th November
Where: Auckland. Exact Location is Top Secret - you must purchase a ticket through Starship to participate in the tour and Market Stall.
Participating Guild Artists: Tanya Dann, Marimba Powley, Shelly van Soest, Sharlene Ngatapuna, Cath Sheard, Chavah Kinloch, Silver Dunlop, Helen Sherrock

Starships Annual Christmas Tour - This year the Christmas Cracker House Tour takes you to beautiful country estates in the Whitford area. The houses will be lovingly decorated in Christmas theme by local stylists and florists. The tour will run from 10am - 3.30pm, and will include a Market Stall where variety of exquisite goods are sold, including handmade Christmas Decorations made by NZ Art Guild Members. Funds raised this year will go towards head cooling caps for Starship's Intensive Care Unit.

For more information including how to get your ticket go to http://www.starship.org.nz/index.php/pi_pageid/1389/pi_eventid/215

Northern Southlands Arts Trust
When: 17th - 21st November
Where: Southern Automobile Showrooms, 221 Dee Street Invercargill
Participating Guild Artists: Michelle Wallis, Joanne Borgman

The open evening is to be held on November the 15th 2008. Exhibition and silent auction will be opened by Ivan Clarke, famed Artist and Noel Coutts, Singer and entertainer. All Proceeds raised from this evening will be going directly to the HOSPICE SOUTHLAND. All artists participating have kindly agreed to donate 3 paintings each and 20% commission on any other sales for the entire event. 10 amazing artists and photographers are contributing to this incredible worthy cause.

Masters Month Challenge - Vincent van Gogh (20/10/08)

Every month members are given an artist to study. They have the next 4 weeks to paint/create something inspired by the work of that artist. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original, be of any size, medium or style, must adhere to copyright laws and be completed during the 4 week time-frame.

Here are the winners of the VINCENT VAN GOGH theme (20/10/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Anni Morris - "Vincent’s Cat"

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Helen Sherrock - "Vans by Gogh"

North Shore City Art Awards raises the bar even higher

Christopher Johnstone and Di Smallfield, judges for the North Shore City Art Awards 2008, were very impressed by the high standard of artworks, making special mention that the entries are getting stronger with every year. Artworks came from all over NZ with 83 finalists selected. This is certainly an event to keep an even closer eye on in the coming years.

Once again the Mairangi Art Centre created a fabulous opening night with live Jazz and over 150 people attending. North Shore City Mayor, Andrew Williams, officially opened the Art Awards and was particularly taken with the winning artwork by Barbara von Seida – Stony Bay Coromandel.

The judges felt the winning artwork included a wide range of painting conventions such as confident media application, a selective and complimentary palette, high viewpoint and an asymmetrical strength to the composition. Added to this was that the artwork epitomized the qualities of a contemporary context and the risk-taking they were looking for.

The artworks are diverse and eclectic ranging from traditional oils to contemporary mixed media. It’s a must see exhibition and is at the Mairangi Art Centre, Hastings Rd , Mairangi Bay , Auckland until November 15th.

Congratulations to all the award winners who also receive an annual subscription to the NZ Art Guild.

Factory Frame Merit Award - $500
Sue Collins – Moutere Coromandel

Laurie Coon Merit Awards - $500
Dana Rose – Out of the Mist

Comworth Systems Merit Awards - $500
Jos Coufruer - Children

Runner Up
Gordon Harris – The art and Graphic Store Award - $1000
Janet Williamson – Summer Sunshine

Winner
North Shore City Council Premier Award 2008 - $4000
Barbara von Seida - Stony Bay Coromandel.

The Bunnings Warehouse Peoples Choice Award of $500 will be announced at the end of the exhibition on November 15 - so make sure that you cast your vote for your favourite artwork.

Winner Barbara von Seida with her painting "Stony Bay Coromandel"

North Shore leading the way in the Arts

ShoreSpace, a NZ first, was launched last night at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, Auckland. North Shore City have created a first of it's kind - a unique art portal to unite all the arts organisations in the local community and further afield.

As early as 2001, the North Shore City-Te Raki Pae Whenua arts community has been working with the to find an effective way to support and promote the energy and vitality of the arts and creative activity within its communities. With ShoreSpace Arts Portal, North Shore showcases these talents and services through this interactive arts portal, in recognition of the proud and progressive arts community we are home to.

ShoreSpace is an online arts hub which gives easy access to everything that celebrates the arts in our city. All sectors are invited to register; visual, literary, performing and multi-dimensional arts and crafts, as well as technicians and other supporters of our evolving and growing creative industries sector.

Shorespace follows the model of shared governance of arts outcomes by being a collaborative initiative between the arts organisations and North Shore City Council. Shorespace will continue to support this value through ongoing development and management of the site.

Last night saw the team from Mairangi Art Centre (including NZ Art Guild Members - Victoria Anderson and Sophia Elise) taking art out to the community and getting everyone to pick up a paint brush and express their creativity. Two giant canvases were set up to encourage the hidden artist to appear - North Shore City Mayor Andrew Williams was keen to show his support of the local arts community as well as his artistic flair with a painting of the Pumphouse.

To find out more about Shorespace and to become involved go to http://www.shorespace.org.nz/

Victoria Anderson, Margaret Copley-Bishop, Sophia Elise, Ellie Drummond, Rachel Irwin

(The Fantastic Hats were created by Natalie Bliss)

North Shore City Mayor, Andrew Williams

North Shore City Mayor, Andrew Williams

One of the finished community Artworks which will be displayed at Mairangi Bay Art Centre

The second of the finished community Artworks which will be displayed at Mairangi Bay Art Centre

Creating the Community Artworks

Creating the Community Artworks

Photography Challenge - Water (20/10/08)

Every fortnight members are given a theme. They have the next 2 weeks to take a photograph that represents the theme. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original and be completed during the 2 week time-frame. Members may choose to interpret the theme in any way they wish.

These Photographs were the winners of the "WATER" theme (20/10/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Jo Wright - "Untitled"

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Helen Sherrock - "The Human Sprinkler"

Quote of the Month

"Composer, sculptor, painter, poet, prophet, sage – these are the makers of the after-world, the architects of heaven. The world is beautiful because they have lived. Without them, laboring humanity would perish." James Allen

Theme Challenge - Where's Wally (13/10/08)

Every fortnight members are given a theme. They have the next 2 weeks to create an artwork that represents that theme. These will often incorporate a certain technique, style, colour etc as an additional challenge for members. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original and be completed during the 2 week time-frame. Members may choose to interpret the theme in any way they wish. This week members were free to choose any subject matter but had to hide a face, a banana and a flower inside the painting much like the "Where's Wally" childrens books.

These were the winners of the "WHERE'S WALLY" theme (13/10/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Helen Sherrock - "Jellybean Central"

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Amy Mackiewicz - "Squaretown"

HANDS ACROSS THE WORLD - Art Exhibition and Auction

Your personal invitiation to the opening of

“HANDS ACROSS THE WORLD”

An Exhibition & Sale of Original Artworks

WHEN: Opening Night—Wed 12 November 2008 7.00pm
Parade & sale of 100+ original “born again” UPcycled women’s clothes AND several “one off” exquisite gowns & coats including an Auction of donated artworks

COST: Tickets $10 Adults, Children under 12 FREE

WHERE: House of Prayer, 9B Binsted Road, New Lynn, Auckland

Tickets for Opening night available by
email: admin@houseofprayer.co.nz
or
Ph: Robyn 820 8965
or Margie 021 555 169


100% of Proceeds to The Family Centre in Romania - a New Zealand & Romanian initiative preventing abandonment of children in Romania. www.ohfint.co.nz

Please show your support for this fantastic event and charity.

Update - NZ Health Industry Awards and UNICEF auction

This fantastic event this was held on Saturday night - Credit must be given to Nigel Fowler and Jenny Hammond for their vision, dedication and passion.

Great food, fabulous entertainment, tribute to the health industry professionals and of course the Charity Auctions for UNICEF.

Petra Bagust did a brilliant job of hosting the evening - and Alison Mau gave a very sobering talk about Women and Children with HIV and AIDS in Papau New Guinea.

NZ Art Guild members donated all but 2 of the artworks - and two members also donated items from their original clothing brands.

Amount raised -
Sofia Minson $2050
Sharlene Ngatapuna $700
Natasha Wheeler $600
Sally Blyth $600
Sophia Elise $500
Tony Brown $500
Julia Dungan $500
Kirsty Black - Ties $150 for 2
and
Beate Minderjahns fantastic range of positive kids tshirt and caps - 8 tshirts and caps for $200!!!

Combined amount raised $5800 which was over half the total raised in the auction!

Thank you to all the artists for their generous contributions.

Shore Plover Art Auction - London

The Shore Plover art auction took place on Friday 10 October in London to raise funds for the New Zealand Shore Plover (a rare species of Bird). Money raised will be use to continue the five year reintroduction programme on Mana Island and to upgrade the captive breeding aviaries at Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre. Several NZ Art Guild members were involved and one of our members, Sally Blyth, even flew to London to be at the auction.

Over 10,000 Pounds were raised, and there was lots of positive feedback. Here are the prices in pounds that our members artworks got ...

Sally Blyth 1240 !!! What a whopping amount!
Nancy Frazer 420
Tania Verrent 320
Sophia Elise 240
Chavah Kinloch 160
Elspeth Batt 140
Tony Brown 100

Photography Challenge - Spirit (6/10/08)

Every fortnight members are given a theme. They have the next 2 weeks to take a photograph that represents the theme. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original and be completed during the 2 week time-frame. Members may choose to interpret the theme in any way they wish.

These Photographs were the winners of the "SPIRIT" theme (6/10/08)


PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Teresa Rodger - "La La La La La La Not Listening"

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Amy Mackiewicz - "42 Below "

Artists shave heads for Leukaemia

NZ Art Guild and the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation join forces

The NZ Art Guild, Leukaemia and Blood Foundation (LBF) and the Bruce Mason Centre are very excited to announce a charity art auction, exhibition and head shaving. Yes – Head Shaving.

Well known NZ Artist, and NZ Art Guild Member, Sofia Minson and 9 other top NZ Artists will donate artworks for the fine art auction and line up to have their heads shaved in a fantastic, not to be missed event. The opening night is Feb 3rd 2009 at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, Auckland. All the money raised from this event will be donated to LBF.

There will also be a month long exhibition of amazing artworks depicting various aspects of life. 20% of the sale proceeds will be donated to LBF.

The Leukaemia and Blood Foundation started “Shave for a Cure” as a fundraising initiative and it has now turned into an annual event. March 9th – 15th 2009 is the official shave week and month. People are sponsored for shaving their hair off – or if you’re not quite that daring then you can always dye it purple or some other exciting colour …

For more information about the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation and Shave for a Cure go to
http://www.leukaemia.org.nz/
http://www.shaveforacure.co.nz/

Or for more information about this event please contact
Sophia Elise
Manager
admin@nzartguild.co.nz
http://www.nzartguild.co.nz/

Expression of Interest called for Wood Sculpture live 2009

Wood Sculpture Live 2009

To be held at Lake House Arts Centre on Barry’s Point Reserve, Takapuna

Important Dates:
Blessing and Breakfast: Thursday 16 April 8.30am
Selection/ballot of logs: Thursday 16 April 10am
Carving dates: Thursday 16 April to Saturday 25 April (To take place during daylight hours only)
Carving End day: Saturday 25 April 5pm followed by a BBQ for artists and family
Official Opening & Prize Giving: Sunday 26 April 3pm
Exhibition dates: 27 April – 24 May
Indoor Exhibition dates: 17 April – 10 May

Sculptors in wood are invited to use their chosen carving method to produce sculptures from a selection of logs already acquired by Lake House.

Types of Wood: Macrocarpa, Cedar, RedWood, Pohutukawa, Silky Oak, English Oak and Matured Gum. This year as an alternative to the wood on site, we propose to have swamp Kauri available.

Daily Meals: Morning Tea & Lunch will be provided for all participants.
Lake House Café will be open for family and friends to use.

Participant Exhibition: The Gallery will be available for artists to show a selection of their smaller pieces of art. (Two medium sized works or four small pieces) Due to space limitations we have a size restriction on the work, no larger than 1sqm. Commission is 25%. This show is a curated show and at least one of your works will be on display, discretion of the curator. Please ensure that your small work is delivered to Lake House Arts Centre when you arrive for the wood balloting on Thursday 16 April. Ensure work is labelled clearly with the artist’s name, title of work, medium or work and price including 25% commission.

Should your expression of interest be successful we will send you a Registration form which you need to fill out and return to us with your $80.00 entry fee by
1 February 2009.

For more information, or for a copy of the expression of interest forms please contact

Kim Boyd
Manager
Lake House Arts Centre
Ph: 486 4877 Fax: 486 4874 Mobile: 021 231 5312
Email: manager@lakehousearts.org.nz
Website: www.lakehousearts.org.nz

NZ Vegetarian Food and Lifestyle Festival

Every year vegetarians around the world observe World Vegetarian Day on October 1st to celebrate a healthy, compassionate and environmentally friendly way of life.

This past Saturday the annual NZ Vegetarian Food and Lifestyle Festival was held at Mt Eden War Memorial Hall in Auckland

Over 1300 people came through in 6 hours - the place was packed all the time - amazing food - great information and incredible atmosphere.

Here are a couple of images of the artwork contributed by guild Members Sophia Elise, Melissa Muirhead and Michelle Whitehouse

NZ Art Guild's New Look!

Earlier we revealed a new logo for the NZ Art Guild. Now we are very pleased to show off our new look website! We have a new layout, new Artist Directories; including artists profiles and a comprehensive list of great New Zealand Artists, and there is also new membership options as well - so if you aren't already a member its now even easier to join!!!

Visit www.nzartguild and see for yourself.

NZ Art Guild 2008 Annual Art Swap

Here are the entries for the NZ Art Guild 2008 Annual Art Swap. Participants, please check your emails for further instructions.

Artist: Cathleen Tarawhiti
Title: The Carnival
Medium: Framed Print
Dimensions: 457mm x 215mm

Artist: Shelly van Soest
Title: Akaroa Pohutukawa
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 760 x 380 x 35mm

Artist: Shelly van Soest
Title: Beyond
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 460 x 820mm

Artist: Chavah Kinloch
Title: A Stitch in Time
Medium: Mixed Media
Dimensions: 45c x 45cm

Artist: Chavah Kinloch
Title: Forest of Feelings
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 41cm x 41cm - Diptych

Artist: Sophia Elise
Title: Puddling Jewels
Medium: Mixed media - fabric, acrylic and resin
Dimensions: 36cm x 78cm
The texture is amazing and the resined areas have metallic paint under them.

Artist: Sophia Elise
Title: Stone Edge IV
Medium: Mixed media - Acrylic, resin and modelling paste on canvas
Dimensions: 36cm x 78cm
The blue has metallic paint in it and resin overtop. Inspired by the beautiful coastline around New Zealand...the gorgeous rockpools and blue clear water....

Artist: Chris Cruickshank
Title: Goat Island
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 400 x 400mm

Artist: Pam Buffery
Title:Flight Dreams
Medium:Oil
Dimensions: 400 x 300mm

Artist: Melissa Muirhead
Title: Mackenzie Dreaming
Medium: Mixed Media
Dimensions: 762 x 250mm

Artist: Melissa Muirhead
Title: Third Glance
Medium: Mixed Media
Dimensions: 400 x 600mm (triptych)

Artist: Kelly Gatchell Hartley
Title: The Artist
Medium: Mixed Media
Dimensions: 460 x 460mm

Artist: Helen Sherrock
Title: Spring Tui
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 360 x 460mm

Artist: Helen Sherrock
Title: Butterfly Fence
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 305 x 230mm

Artist: Juile Sills
Title: La Femme
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 300 x 410mm

Artist: Tanya Dann
Title: Lost
Medium: Mixed Media
Dimensions: 750 x 250mm

Artist: Amy Mackiewicz
Title: Dream Time
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 380 x 380mm

Artist: Tony Brown
Title: Shattered Dreams
Medium: Acrylic and Pastel on Board
Dimensions: 610 x 450mm

Artist: Terri Dangen
Title: Caring Kind
Medium: Mixed Media
Dimensions: 300 x 300mm

Artist: Silver Dunlop
Title: Monarch In The Shade and Monarch In The Sun
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 600 x 300mm (diptych)

Artist: Cath Sheard
Title: Aspects of the Land #1
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 300 x 400mm

Artist: Teresa Rodger
Title: Little Bird
Medium: Mixed Media
Dimensions: 250 x 250mm

Artist: Teresa Rodger
Title: Rustic Rose
Medium: Mixed Media
Dimensions: 250 x 250mm

Artist: Sharlene Schmidt
Title: Baby Love
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 380 x 380mm

Artist: Jane Bold
Title: Friends Forever
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 300 x 300mm

Artist: Linda Lloyd
Title: Blue String
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 450 x 450mm

Artist: Linda Lloyd
Title: Mountains and Rainbows
Medium: Acrylic
Dimensions: 760 x 370mm

Artist: Bobby Shen
Title: Desert Solstice
Medium: Sand and Acrylic
Dimensions: 285 x 370mm

Shore Plover - London Exhibition

Several NZ Art Guild members are involved in a fundraising event in London (see previous posts for details). Here are some images from the month long exhibition. The exhibition will conclude with an auction that will take place on Friday 10 October at the Penthouse of New Zealand House, London.