Published: 13 Aug 2019
South Canterbury Children’s Annual Art Exhibition, Artarama, celebrates its 40th Anniversary this Saturday at Aigantighe Art Gallery.
The exhibition which is runs from 17 August to 1 September is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Timaru North, the Friends of the Aigantighe Art Gallery, and the South Canterbury Art Society.
Artarama, instigated in 1979, has consistently represented the artwork of thousands of school students from the South Canterbury region for decades.
Aigantighe Gallery Exhibitions Curator, Hamish Pettengell said that Artarama was developed to encourage and support young artists in the region.
“The show celebrates the creative young talents of the region and offers children and young people an excellent opportunity to showcase their work to the community,” he said.
“We believe that art fosters creativity in children and young people, and it can assist in developing their imagination and enhancing their decision making skills.
“Aigantighe is the centre for visual arts in South Canterbury. As a community-owned facility it’s important that we not only reflect the best of current and classical artworks, but also help inspire the next generation of artists in the region, many of whom this will be the first time their work will be displayed in a gallery.”
The competition is open to all Year 1-13 school students in South Canterbury. There are six age groups: Years 1-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and Year 13, and three artwork categories: painting and drawing, printmaking and collage and three-dimensional.
Over 400 entries are expected this year, and 20 awards over a wide variety of ages and categories will be handed out: one award for each category and each age group, and a few sponsors’ special awards.
“We encourage people to come and be part of this amazing exhibition. We've got fantastically creative kids in the region so it's great to celebrate that."
The exhibition opens on Saturday 17 August with the prize giving ceremony at 1pm at the Aigantighe Art Gallery. The exhibition runs until Sunday 1 September.
Last updated: 24 Feb 2021