Five artworks from different artists, all with an Art Deco theme, have been scanned, enlarged and made weatherproof for outdoor display. The sixth work in the collection of street art is a giant poster made from glass slides which held print advertisements for Ranfurly businesses, dating back to the Art Deco era.
"The collection has a two-fold benefit. They decorate the town, in a subtle way, and also develop the arts in the Maniototo, by celebrating our creativity," festival committee vice-chairwoman Amie Pont said.
It was planned to extend the collection, and the works could be shifted around the town. The Maniototo Arts Council and the Maniototo Community Trust covered material costs, while artists donated time and talent.
A large "paint-by-numbers" painting, to be completed by visitors to the festival this weekend, will be added to the collection. Festival committee chairwoman Diane Paterson said all was set for a great weekend. The forecast was for sunshine tomorrow and the town was "really buzzing" about special guest, entertainer Vince Martin, who will perform at the cabaret tonight and the street party tomorrow afternoon. He would also visit residents at Ranfurly's Chalet rest-home.
