Auction's money for Africa

BIT OF CHOICE: Genevieve Nightingale, 9, contemplates the children's art up for auction at Martinborough's Arts and Craft exhibition on Labour Weekend.

When the bidding needs a boost, bid on yourself.

The children's art auction was possibly the most energetic event at Martinborough's Arts and Craft Market over Labour Weekend, held to raise money for schooling in Africa.

Hosted by the Anglican Parish of South Wairarapa at the Martinborough Town Hall, the annual Arts and Crafts display has been held since 2007 as a chance for local artists to put their work up for sale.

A small commission, a hanging fee, plus admission from the public, go towards the School of the Good Shepherd in Tanzania.

But on Sunday evening the children's art went on auction, with several primed youngsters - and helpful parents - ready to keep the bids alive.

Martinborough local Genevieve Nightingale, 9, said her Field and Sky painting ended up too dark, so a friend suggested it would work as a dusk evening. "So I painted on a sunset and some clouds."

Her painting sold for $20, after she put her own bid on at $15 to push the action.

Her sister, Evangelina, 7, painted a can of tomato sauce, surrounded by tomato vines.

"But I might of not spelled 'tomato' correctly," she said.

It turned out it was; but 'sauce' wasn't.

In total the children's artwork raised $96.

Organiser Glenys Hansen said it was a quieter event this year.

In previous years it has raised about $2000.

"We thought there had to be a better idea than garage sales," she said.

"It's not a big money maker, but it's a win-win for artists in the area."

She said nine artworks sold over the weekend.