Possibly NZ's biggest school art exhibition at Auckland Grammar expected to net $80,000
Wednesday 28 July 2010, 12:33PM
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Arguably the best school art exhibition anywhere in New Zealand, Auckland Grammar’s annual event in September, is expected to net $80,000 for the school’s foundation trust.
The eighth annual Art Exhibition hosted by Auckland Grammar School is a fully fledged art fair with leading and emerging artists and not just an exhibition of schoolboy art.
Organising committee chair Annabel Lush said today they have about 120 artists exhibiting over 600 pieces of art at the September 3, 4 and 5 exhibition.
``We take over the school’s main hall is a fabulous venue and is transformed from the usual rows of bleachers to a sea of crisp white panels – a bit like Hogwarts meeting a New York art loft.
``Auckland Grammar is very well known for its sportsmen, politicians and business leaders but it also excels in the fields of performing and visual arts.
``Max Gimblett is probably the most well known and globally successful of the Old Boy artists but there is an impressive list. Max has close ties with the school although he lives in New York and he even gave a very special master class to top students and school contacts earlier this year,’’ Ms Lush said.
Gimblett and the school’s acting head of art Justin Boroughs whose works are highly sought after will have piece at the exhibition this year.
Grammar’s range of artists, the hanging of the works, the support of galleries such as Seed and Gow Langsford are some of the reasons why this exhibition stands out from the rest.
A number of old boys exhibiting this year and while we organisers would like to support the school’s own alumni, they have to stack up against everyone else.
Proceeds from the annual art event will be used to seek and retain the best teachers and teaching environment for the school. A percentage is always set aside to be utilised by the arts department. Proceeds from the 2008 event were used to build a specialised digital art suite. This year (from the 2009 event) new musical instruments have been purchased.
``We raised a net total of just under $80,000 last year – we were very pleased as we were facing a tough economy. It was just a little under the 2008 figure,’’ Ms Lush said.
``This year, for the first time – and possibly a NZ first – we are working with Sella (www.sella.co.nz) to create a virtual online art exhibition. This will go live at the end of the September 3 cocktail party and all art that is still unsold will be available for sale at a fixed price.
``It will enable parents and old boys anywhere in the world to view and make a purchase. About 35% of the art is usually sold (a standard figure) so it will be very interesting to see if Sella will make a difference.