Art works to be auctioned for charity

BIDS can be cast for a range of art works at the annual cocktail party held during the Hunter's Garden Marlborough celebrations.

Executive manager Nicolle Cooze says this is the 16th year of Garden Marlborough and the art auction is a long-standing feature. Works are donated by artists and all proceeds go back to the community on garden-related projects.

Past benefactors have included the Alzheimer's Society Marlborough, Marlborough Hospice and Mayfield and Whitney Street Schools so they could all create their own gardens.

Auction proceeds have also been used to purchase playground equipment at Pollard Park, seats along the Taylor River Reserve and to pay a man who laboured for two years clearing the invasive weed, old man's beard, from native bush in the Marlborough Sounds.

Nicolle says materials and time spent creating the art works is all donated and the range of people who take part in each year's auction is extensive.

"There's nine people in the community and they all ask people they know ... between nine of them, that covers most [artists] in Marlborough.

Anyone who was not approached but wanted to donate something was usually welcome, too, as long as it fitted in with the year's selected theme.

The one chosen for this year, Objets d'art (objects of art), means options are fairly open.

Nicolle says pieces to be auctioned on November 7 include large mirrored pieces that can go outside in the garden, framed photographs with garden themes, copper sculptures and paintings.

"Some of the things actually cost quite a lot of money," Nicolle says.

Prospective buyers can view this year's works at the Millennium Public Art Gallery. Those unable to attend the cocktail party at the Marlborough Convention Centre on November 7 when the auction will be held, can then contact Century 21 (ph 578-8999).

The real estate company will conduct the auction and will help people make absentee bids.

Artists whose works will be auctioned this year are:

Graham Bryant (copper leaves and metal plant support structures),

Brenda Suleiman (painting on canvas),

Sally Mason (framed photograph),

Rachel Hutchinson (water colour painting),

Aimee Peters (acrylic on corrugated iron),

Rosa Chaffey (mirror on recycled hardwood and copper),

Kim Gabara (iron, steel, copper sculpture),

John Kroupa (polished macrocarpa seat),

Viv Peters (grape-vine framed mirror),

Tamatea Thomas Rangi (tool drop),

Marcela Davey (photo on canvas),

Clayton Morgan (photo on canvas).

- The Marlborough Express