Summer Art Exhibition
2023 Summer Exhibition at Whitianga Art Centre and Gallery.
23 School Road Whitianga.
A collection of new works by local artists with guest artist, Peter Augustin. Wednesday, 4 January - Monday, 30 January. 10am – 4pm daily. The Exhibition is a highlight on the Summer Calendar in Mercury Bay. Opening: Guest artist, Peter Augustin, will open the exhibition on Tuesday, 3 January 2023, with a wine and cheese evening starting at 6.00pm.
This popular event runs through the month of January until Anniversary weekend. Come any day after the Opening event, and you will see a collection of new works by local artists displayed in the historic Art Centre and Gallery building at 23 School Road of Whitianga. It is an excellent opportunity to purchase quality new works by local artists in a variety of styles. Guest artist, Peter Augustin was born in Slovenia. He grew up in a family of artists and musicians and moved to Switzerland, where he studied at the Lucerne School of Art. He also received private tuition from acclaimed artists, Paul Haelan and Otto Gilli. Peter lived in Switzerland for 35 years exhibiting there and in Italy, Austria, Russia, Slovenia and the Netherlands. He travelled worldwide before making New Zealand his home in 2004 on the Kapiti coast.
The search for a longer summer brought Peter and his partner to Whitianga in May 2021. Peter’s work is symbolic and laden with colour and emotion. Summer Art Exhibition Each year a painting is donated by one of the Art Group members for the summer raffle. The 2023 painting donated by local artist Margaret Gibson, is a work titled, ‘Heralding in Summer at Otama.’ Margaret says, “It is an iconic childhood memory I have of going to the family holiday bach at the beginning of summer. I remember the feeling of excitement when arriving and seeing the red foliage blanketing the branches.” Eight members of the Whitianga Art Group have been accepted in the Mercury Bay Art Escape 2023. They will be exhibiting their artworks at the Art Centre as part of the Art Escape tour in March. Art Group President, Raewyn Williams, says, “I am as always, extremely impressed with our members’ passion and commitment to produce quality paintings for our January Exhibition. Visit the Art Centre and you will discover unique art works full of vibrancy. Be in early to purchase that perfect piece of art to take home as a reminder of your summer on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Caption: Peter Augustin