Friends of the Gallery Charity Auction

On Saturday 6th December International Art Centre hosted the Friends of Auckland Art Gallery Christmas Function and 'Off the Wall' Charity auction in the Scarborough Gallery, Lower ground level. Around 200 guests enjoyed the evening and bid for works created on the Auckland Art Gallery walls prior to its closure for its major refurbishment.

The mission of Friends of the Gallery is to support the Gallery and promote enthusiasm for the visual arts and culture of Auckland. They also support emerging talent with a programme of student exhibitions.

'Artists' who donated works for the auction included George Baloghy, Don Binney, Warwick Brown, Paul Cullen, Don Dazeil, Jo Don, Aiden Edwards, Kathrine Fraser, Lauren Lysaght, Guy Harkness, Lindsay Kirk, Jan Nigro, Stephen Oxton, Richard McWhanell, Peter Siddell, Sylvia Siddell, Michael Smither,Sarah Stuart, James Watkins & Vultures of Culture Culture Vulture.

All 23 works were sold on the evening.

The auction was a follow up to an event held at Auckland Art Gallery in November 2007.

Tuesday, 30 October 2007 Press Release: Auckland Art Gallery

Use the walls of Auckland Art Gallery as your canvas Amateur artists - now's your chance to use the walls of Auckland Art Gallery as your canvas.

The Friends of Auckland Art Gallery are selling gallery wall space for just $100 a metre in a special fundraising event on 24 November.

Budding artists will have a week to create a temporary masterpiece directly on the gallery walls in anything from paint to collage or even objects screwed into the wall.

The Off the Wall event leads up to the gallery's $96.4 million restoration and expansion project and will take place in a closed section on level two, while the main gallery remains open to the public.

Those who don't feel inspired can sponsor an artist to create a work on their behalf - $100 buys a metre wide space, going as high as the artist can reach. Friends president Warren Limbrick says the combined effect will be a one-off multi-artist installation.

"This will be a truly unique art experience. Don't miss your chance to get involved in an unforgettable occasion," he says.

The temporary works will be documented by a photographer, creating a permanent record. Donors also receive a certificate and an invitation to the Off The Wall party on 24 November.

Selected works will be sold by auction at Parnell's International Art Centre in December 2008.

The funds raised will help buy more art for the people of Auckland courtesy of the Friends, a voluntary organisation dedicated to encouraging interest in the visual arts.

The Environment Court has given interim approval to the gallery upgrade, which will see all but the heritage parts of the building removed. A final decision is expected next month.

Off The Wall 24 November 6pm Auckland Art Gallery For more information: Jennifer Dann Communications co-ordinator Auckland Art Gallery

ENDS