Arrowtown’s Lakes District Museum is opening its biennial 30x30 exhibition tomorrow night, this year featuring about 140 pieces in all, created by 79 different artists, the vast majority of whom are locals.
The only rule is their pieces must measure — as per the name — 30x30.
Museum director Jane Peasey says this time around everything’s for sale on a "cash and carry" basis, so the exhibition will be updated regularly as pieces sell.
Included in the offerings are a huge selection of paintings in different mediums, mixed media, bronze and Jasmine Clark’s woven wire.
"It’s a really popular one and great for our visitors — because of the size, they can take them with them and they fit in suitcases," Peasey says.
Additionally, because contributing artists are professionals and amateurs, there’s some really affordable art available.
"I love that anyone can submit — amateur artists who paint in their garage have a chance to be on a gallery wall."
The museum is taking a commission from every sale, proceeds from which will go towards upgrading the gallery’s lighting in the next couple of years.
Peasey says tomorrow night’s opening, supported by Mt Edward Wines and Whitestone Cheese, is sponsored by the Arrowtown Creative Arts Society, which will be unveiling the new Arrowtown Arts Trail which it’s funding and directing.
The trail will help shepherd tourists towards a wide variety of artists who’ve set up shop in and around the historic village.
Tomorrow’s opening starts at 6pm and is open to all — the 30x30 exhibition runs till February 1.
