Wairarapa Art Sale features artistic diversity

The Wairarapa Art Sale showcases Wairarapa talent – from established artists to complete newcomers. The show is at the Featherston Community Centre 14 Wakefield St Featherston during the Featherston Booktown celebration, so it promises to be a vibrant weekend. Opening night is 11th May from 6pm where people can get an early look and meet the artists. Friday 12th May and Saturday 13th May: 9am – 5pm Sunday 14th May: 9am – 1pm

Art lovers will easily find something to add to their collection or find a stunning gift while supporting local artists. Drawings, paintings, sculpture and pottery in a full range of styles and prices mean there will be something for everyone. It is a cash and carry exhibition, so it will pay to go early.
A portion of sales will directly benefit the Featherston Community Centre. Emily Greenberg, Chair of the Community Centre’s Board, said, “As a 100% community-owned trust, the centre depends on grants, private donations and fundraising to keep operating. The Art Sale was so fun and successful last year, we decided to make it an annual event.”
Featherston is home to a diverse collection of emerging and established creative people. Some of the artists this year are:
Samuel Pepper, 22, is exhibiting for the first time at the Wairarapa Art Sale. When he’s not working in his family’s joinery business, he can be found drawing and painting his intricate pieces his home studio. “Most of my subject matter comes from nature, which I think has been influenced by going on hunting and fishing trips while growing up,” said Samuel.
Jen Olson moved to New Zealand from America in 2003 and has made Featherston her home. Specialising in ink and mixed media, Jen started taking commissions in 2007 and has been exhibiting since 2013. “I draw and paint people and animals in an illustrative style, and my subjects are often a little off kilter – just like real life.
Nicki Stewart is a long-time artist living in Featherston and running workshops from her studio. Her encaustic (wax-based) paintings and installations add a very distinctive element to exhibitions and have been sold in New Zealand, Europe and the UK. “The interplay between layers of wax, charcoal and pigments creates a luminosity not available through other mediums,” said Nicki.
Art Sale organisers are accepting artist submissions until 26 April. Artists who would like to display some of their work can complete an online submission form at http://featherstoncommunity.org.nz. For more information : Jen Olson 021 054 2391
artsale@featherstoncommunity.org.nz