Artists in Eden 2016

On Saturday 19 March, Artists in Eden Day celebrated its 29th birthday! It is Auckland’s longest running art event of its kind and a celebration of some of the art talent which is such an integral part of the Mt Eden community. 

I stumbled across this event many years ago while out for a coffee in Mt Eden village, and it has been my favourite art event ever since. Its a fabulous opportunity to see a wide variety of art, by both well known established artists, and recent graduate / emerging artists, being created throughout the day. There is always plenty to fall in love with, and all pieces are auctioned at the end of the day.

This year some forty artists gathered in the Essex Reserve to paint.

Invited participants included Geoff and Rebecca Tune, Paul Johnston, Mike Morgan, Russell Jackson, John Horner, Paul and Evan Woodruffe, Clyde Scott, Peter Gibson Smith, Lyn Bergquist, George Baloghy, as well as more recently invited artists Belinda Griffiths, Maria Balan, Krystie Wade, and me! 

I arrived with a large, very light gatorboard support board, on a very blustery day. Not a good combination! I found a great spot out of the wind, tucked away over the path from the main artists tables. Rebecca Tune joined me and we spent a very enjoyable day painting, and meeting up with friends, family and members of the public who came to have a look at the paintings taking shape and have a chat.

Like last year, I arrived with a rough sketch, and completed the entire painting on the day. 

As works are completed they are put up for viewing. 

At 2.30 the auction started, and all works went under the hammer, with 2/3rds of the proceeds going to the Artists in Eden charity. 

It was another fabulous Artists in Eden, and such a complement to be invited back to participate. I did miss being free to watch all the other pieces take shape, but its great to join in and create work on the day. 

Thank you to everyone for stopping by for a chat!