Exhibition maintains strong community support

The annual Snells Beach Art Exhibition has marked its 32nd year with strong community support, nearly 2000 visitors and praise from both artists and judges, despite economic pressures impacting sales.

Although visitor numbers were slightly down on last year, organisers attributed this to the change of venue. However, feedback was overwhelmingly positive about the return to the Snells Beach Community Hall from the former Warehouse building, with both artists and attendees welcoming the familiar setting.

The opening and preview night drew 211 people, with an outstanding turnout from exhibiting artists.

This year’s exhibition showcased 380 artworks – 50 more than last year – alongside 27 artists’ cash-and-carry tables. In total, 124 artists exhibited work, a figure consistent with previous years and reflecting the event’s ongoing popularity within the regional arts community.

Judging was undertaken by Mahurangi College Head of Art Faculty Nyree Norrington, who praised the overall quality of the exhibition. She described it as “a strong and impressive show, reflecting the high calibre of work on display and the standing of this exhibition within the artistic community,” noting the breadth of media and approaches as a key indicator of its success.

While painting and cash-and-carry sales were down compared with previous years, organisers reported increased income from door donations, raffles and cafe sales, highlighting solid backing from the local community.

Around 32 per cent of exhibitors made sales during the show, down from 53 per cent last year, a shift attributed to the current cost-of-living pressures and wider economic conditions.

Ceramics, pottery and glass proved to be the strongest sellers at the cash-and-carry tables.

Top honours in the Established category went to Ann Orman of Snells Beach for Goddess, with second prize awarded to Mangawhai artist Alix St Clair for Kotare.

Deborah Martin, of Matakana, won first prize in the Intermediate category (sponsored by Withers & Co) for Threatened & At Risk Mahurangi Shorebirds, while Rachel McCulloch, of Mahurangi, took out the Emerging Artists award, sponsored by Summerset Retirement Village.

Two Judge’s Encouragement Awards, sponsored by Snells Beach Pharmacy and Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture, were presented to Robin Scott, of Auckland, and Mary Ingham, of Warkworth, and the People’s Choice Award went to Kaukapakapa artist Fiona Ehn for The Happy Nonnas.

A special mention was made of the youngest entrant, Milly Hand of Snells Beach, who placed third in the Emerging category for her photographic work ‘Martins Bay’, described by the judge as “capturing the warmth and clarity of an Aotearoa summer”.

Artists were quick to acknowledge the efforts of organisers and volunteers. Second prize winner Alix St Clair thanked the team for a “very well run” exhibition, while another exhibitor praised the extensive behind-the-scenes work required to stage an event of its scale.

The event is a fundraiser for the Mahurangi East Tennis Club.