New platform for emerging artists

A new platform for emerging Canterbury artists has been developed by home furnishings retailer, McKenzie & Willis. The inaugural ‘start’ exhibition will be held in their Tuam St store in November this year, featuring 13 artists from the region.

The driving force behind the exhibition has been to raise awareness of the many talented artists within Canterbury and to provide a space to show their works without the traditional restrictions and costs associated with exhibiting.

The art community has welcomed the event and shown momentous support through assistance to the selection process and submissions.
McKenzie & Willis General Manager, Bill Willis said that representatives from leading art galleries and project spaces within Christchurch have been crucial to the selection process.

‘We have been extremely grateful for the support of Campbell Grant Gallery, COCA Gallery and the High Street Project. Their time and expertise has meant we have an event with validity and weight within the art community’, Mr Willis said.

The three representatives have given their insight and critique to the more than 40 submissions that were received within a two week period. Those submissions included artists work ranging from oil and water colour paintings to sculpting, carving and photography.

Ultimately 13 were decided upon and are now busy compiling their works which will include some new works to be produced between now and the November exhibition.

Start will be held 4 – 16 November at McKenzie & Willis, corner of Tuam and High St, Christchurch with a number of works for sale.