Garden gallery growing funds from art

BY JULIA WADE

A local garden will soon become an ‘organic’ public gallery for the next Mangawhai Sculpture in the Garden fundraiser.

Presented by Mangawhai Artists, over thirty Kiwi and international sculptors will exhibit their works in the beautiful and expansive garden of Brian and Isobel Hollis in Moir Street, Mangawhai Village, near the Domain, on February 15-16.

Social services organisation, Te Whai Community Trust and Mangawhai Art Inc (MAI) are again teaming up to showcase a diverse range of artistic talent at their second outdoor fundraiser exhibit.

Artist and event coordinator, Bridget Mintoft, says they are ‘thrilled’ to have Austrian sculptor Willibald Katteneder exhibiting his work.

“He works in natural materials using ancient techniques and his sculptures speak to the relationship of social and environmental elements, of humans and nature,” she says.

Willi’s partner Nikola Jakadofsky works in ceramics, and while her works are simple they are deliberately strict squares, circles and spheres brought out by vibrant shapes and colours within.

“Te Whai member Isobel Hollis and husband Brian have very kindly donated the use of their beautiful and expansive garden for the show, and visitors can wander around viewing the art, and enjoy a Devonshire tea while relaxing to live music from local group Raw Jam.”

Visitors will find a wide variety of mediums from wood, glass, sound, ceramics and pottery and those in search of that special piece to enhance a home or garden will have a wide range to choose from. There will also be a section for children’s sculpture and browsers will be catered for with a cafe and live music by Raw Jam.

All works will be for sale and the proceeds will benefit Te Whai Community Trust, and Mangawhai Artists Inc. Te Whai Community Trust acts as a first point of contact to help people access the social services they may need, and Mangawhai Artists is a group which actively supports local artists of all kinds, from beginner to professional

■ Sculpture in the Garden, 69 Moir St, Mangawhai village, February 15-16, 9am-5pm. Entry $5, or $10 for two adults and two children. NB: Please leave your dog at home.

Austrian sculptor Willibald Katteneder at work using traditional techniques. His thought-provoking sculptures will be one of many highlights at the coming garden art fundraiser. PHOTO/SUPPLIED