Artists give their works to help raise tsunami cash

Works by top artists, and one by a rugby team, will be auctioned by Red Cross in aid of the Boxing Day tsunami relief effort.

About 12 of the 28 works to go under the hammer on March 23 in Wellington have been inspired by the tsunami.

One of them is by Wellington artist Lynne Sandri, who dedicated 100 hours to her work.

"It felt like the right thing to do ... so many people were helping in their own way and rather than all giving money it is nice to help by doing something that is an extension of ourselves."

Sandri painted a karaka tree. "The karaka is native to New Zealand and we are all native New Zealanders."

"The pods of the karaka were traditionally used for medicinal and healing purposes and this is what the Red Cross is all about," she said.

Hurricanes rugby players Jerry Collins and Neemia Tialata led their entire team in creating a work while on tour in South Africa.

"The auction has been an opportunity for many artists to think about what the tragedy has meant for them," said New Zealand Red Cross spokeswoman Christine Langdon.

"Many of the artists have put a lot of heart into their contributions, which has resulted in some very special and touching artworks."

All proceeds will go to the New Zealand Red Cross South Asia Tsunami Appeal.

Artworks can be viewed online and early bids made.

- NZPA