The Academy's contribution to the International Festival of the Arts

featuring the fabulous work of Whanganui based artists Prakash Patel alongside Lyndsay Patterson and Katie Brown from Chronicle Glass, the exhibition was opened by Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson whose speech made reference to the exhibition in its wider context...

"In a time of recession, or the immediate recovery from one, we need to continue to support the arts. As we all know arts and culture have the ability to bring the community together, and to provide some joy and pleasure when times are tough. Some people will say that support for the arts is an additional extra that can be sacrificed when economic circumstances require it. I believe the opposite is true. We need the joy and beauty of art to lift our spirits. We also need to continue to support the arts to allow us to question and challenge as government charts  the course through a recession. Of course it is not just about government support, but also what you as patrons of the arts can do. The works in this  exhibition are superb, and I hope you will support the artists represented  here, and other artists over the coming months and years."

	PRAKASH PATEL Prakash Patel lives and works in his home town of Whanganui. Over the past 15 years he has held numerous solo exhibitions as well as many group shows both here and overseas. In 2006 he was awarded the artists residency at Sanskriti Kendra in New Delhi, India where he produced new works which culminated with a solo exhibition at the NZ High Commission in India.   His work he says comes from thoughts and contemplations of nature, space and existence, among other things.
	LYNDSAY PATTERSON Lyndsay Patterson graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Wanganui Polytechnic.  Lyndsay is a well-known maker of contemporary NZ glass and has exhibited widely both in New Zealand and internationally. His work is held in public and private collections including Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand and The New Dowse. He has twice been a finalist in the Australian based Ranamok Glass Prize and has recently been awarded the prestigious Thomas Glass Award by the New Dowse. Lyndsay is co owner of the well known Chronicle Glass Studio and Gallery situated in the historic “Old Town” precinct of Wanganui. “Glass is a fascinating medium with a rich history. It has an endless array of possibilities and always presents its makers with a challenge.”
	KATIE BROWN Katie Brown is one of only a small handful of full-time female glassblowing artists in New Zealand. Having graduated from the Diploma in Glass Design and Production in 1999 at Whanganui Regional Polytechnic, Katie now co-owns and blows glass at Chronicle Glass Studio – the only “open” glass studio in the Whanganui-Manawatu-Wellington region. Whilst studying, Katie met internationally renowned American glass artist Josh Simpson, and was invited to travel to Massachusetts to become part of his glassmaking team. After three years working in the United States, Katie moved to England where she worked with several glassmakers, one of them being environmental glass artist Neil Wilkin. Working with Wilkin proved to be a pivotal time in Katie’s career. Having her own work space alongside Wilkin enabled Katie to produce her own work, gaining invaluable tutelage in the process.   Since the latter part of 2003, Katie has dedicated her time toward helping Chronicle Glass to become operational as a full-time open studio. The space is well-suited to public viewing and invites participation in the glassblowing process. Much of Katie’s work is inspired by the natural world and this is reflected within her use of hot glass. Through her use of colour and cold techniques her pieces display a delicate sense of structure. Katie’s work reflects her versatility producing a variety of pieces ranging from production work, to her exclusive sculptural pieces and her one off chandelier commissions.

The exhibition features the announcement of The Gordon Harris Art Award and selected works from artists around the country including the work of three generations from one family, Caitlin Bauer, her mum Viv Walker, and grandmother Carol-Ann Bauer. The exhibition also has 18 first time exhibitors at the Academy and a tribute to the late Juliet Cowan.

Helen Forrest - "Lei Chaise"	Brigit Howitt - "Cloak of the Sea"

This is a particularly fine exhibition and is well worth a second look.

see highlights from the exhibition here....> 

exhibition season: 27th February - 21st March 2010

Collection of work from the exhibition: Monday 22nd March (unless by arrangement with the Academy Office)