Kids' art goes under the hammer for a worthy cause

Sarah Irvin, Real Exchange; James Cooper, Harcourts Hawke's Bay general manager; Craig Smith, auctioneer; Helen McNaughten, Napier Kindergarten Association general manager. Photo / Duncan Brown

The adage "it takes a village to raise a child" is one which rings true among many and has resonated with local web-based company Real Exchange.

For the second year, the company's Collective Children's Art Exhibition and Auction will raise much-needed funds and awareness for the Napier Kindergarten Association.

Last year, just shy of $5000 was raised and went towards supporting the association's curriculum programme delivery and purchased resources for use by the children.

Artwork created by each of the 16 kindergartens under the association's umbrella will be up for auction.

Association general manager Helen McNaughten said the event showcases the "immense creativity and giftedness of children".

"It brings each kindergarten community together as they observe and assist with the creation of the pieces and it raises awareness of what our kindergartens have to offer tamariki. Our teachers are highly creative people and they encourage the artist within each child."

She said a wide a variety of artwork was being produced including paintings on canvas, pottery, mobile hanging sculptures and mosaic pieces, with each kindergarten taking inspiration from children's interests, the season, enviroschool projects and nature.

"Each piece is entirely original – and most have taken hours to produce. Children participated in some aspect of the creation of each piece."

Real Exchange, founded by Sarah Irvin, is a web-based marketplace that enables Hawke's Bay residents to use their skills and time to generate income.

"Real Exchange is about connecting people within the community for mutual gain but these public-facing events are just a way to support other key organisations and to help raise both funds and awareness," Irvin said.

Harcourts Hawke's Bay is the premium sponsor of Real Exchange and will provide auctioneers for the evening.

General manager James Cooper said Harcourts is extremely proud to support the cause, having been "absolutely amazed" at the quality of the children's artwork last year.

"The teachers and support staff are amazing and the exceptional high quality, early childhood education they deliver helps give a great head start for our younger members of our community."

Exhibition: October 1 to 5 from 9am to 5pm at the Harcourt office in Napier.
Auction: October 8, 6.30pm at the Speights Ale House Napier. Limited tickets are available at $15 and include canapes and a drink. Children aged under 12 are free.
If you want to donate an item to the auction, email: info@realexchange.co.nz
For more information and to buy tickets, visit: https://realexchange.co.nz