The annual Big Wai Art Sale, held as part of Carterton's Daffodil Festival, turned over 360 artworks for a total of $50,000. PHOTO SUPPLIED
The annual Big Wai Art Sale, held as part of Carterton's Daffodil Festival, turned over 360 artworks for a total of $50,000. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Last week's Big Wai Art Sale was the most successful ever held.
The annual event, held as part of Carterton's Daffodil Festival, saw 360 artworks sold for a total of $50,000.
Chief organiser Anna-Marie Kingsley said 95 artists participated, including artists from Wellington, Tauranga, Marton and Auckland, with more than200 people attending the opening night.
Ms Kingsley said the $5000 made from panel hire would go back into more artworks for the Carterton Outdoor Gallery.
"We are absolutely delighted with the continued support that the Wairarapa community has shown our artists. For an art show to do this well in a recession, shows we are heading in the right direction with our market placement. Many of our artists comment that this is the best run exhibition they have ever participated in, they tell me they really appreciate the generous hospitality and the thoughtfulness of our volunteers goes a long way to keeping everyone happy."
More than 60 people volunteered to help with the panel, run the sales desk, provide home baking for the artists and wrap artworks after they were sold.
Wai Art was run entirely by volunteers with the aim of supporting and promoting Wairarapa artists, Ms Kingsley said.
