About 500 works for one of the biggest college art events in NZ

More than 120 artists from all over the country will take part in one of the biggest New Zealand school art events, the 15th annual Carmel College exhibitions in Auckland on August 12-14.

Last year more than 500 works were entered with almost 50 percent of them being sold. Organiser Anne-Marie Marsh hopes for similar results this year at the North Shore school in Milford.

``We have searched all over New Zealand to find some of the best works in an effort to try and raise at least $50,000 in sales this year which will be great for the school. We just hope we will sell more than last year.

Among some of the noted artists taking part are Jeff Thompson, Russell Jackson, Tony Cribb, Karen Walters, Mandy Emerson, Brad Novak and Craig Ellis.

Art auctioneer Peter Webb has described him Jackson as the most important naturalist painter in New Zealand. Walters creates wall and free-standing sculptures that are hand carved out of recycled native timber.

Ellis sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2007 from a scooter accident on Richmond Road, Auckland. He began painting as a therapeutic tool and his art captures the essence of recovery and rehabilitation.

His work tells a powerful story of frustration, despair, acceptance, hope and happiness. Craig's work is beautiful in its simplicity and consistent in its message. It provides valuable insight into how people live with a traumatic brain injury.

The exhibition will also have a number of artists in residence including Di Conway, Susan Hurrell-Fieldes, Karen Kennedy, Leila Ataya, Liz Constable, Amber Emm and Chris Scott.

Famous artists who have taken part in the event in the past include Dalene Meiring, Peter Collis, Marte Szirmay, Ted Dutch, Virginia Leonard, Russell Jackson, Phillip Kilmore, Jane Puckey,

Jeff Thomson, Tracy Mathewson, Neal Palmer, Peter Lambert, Paul Dibble and Dean Buchanan.

The event has taken off on the Auckland art calendar as prices suit all budgets from $50 to $5000, Marsh said today.

``So many people are keen to be part of this event to the extent that every year we have artists begging to be included. So many have missed out.’’

The exhibition has become an event that the Auckland community eagerly anticipates each year. Thousands of people flock to visit the show just to see the works of well known and emerging New Zealand artists. The gala preview evening, always a sell out with 600 guests, will be held August 12.