Art on display in ‘interesting homes’

This textile art piece by Columba College teacher Emma-Jane Cook will be among hundreds of art...
This textile art piece by Columba College teacher Emma-Jane Cook will be among hundreds of art works displayed in Dunedin homes. Image: supplied
Supportive Dunedin homeowners have opened their homes to visitors in support of an art exhibition and sale with a difference.

The Southern Art House Tour is an innovative approach to fundraising for the Columba College and John McGlashan College communities, in collaboration with local artists.

Project co-ordinator Liana Johnston said this year’s Southern Art House Tour, to be held on November 1, 10am-4pm, was the second time the popular event had been held in Dunedin.

"We have works by more than 50 artists on display, professionally curated in eight interesting homes around Dunedin, as well as at the Dunedin Club," she said.

Dunedin artist Linda Cook’s painting Faces in the Water will be among the works displayed. Image:...
Dunedin artist Linda Cook’s painting Faces in the Water will be among the works displayed. Image: supplied
"Having the opportunity to view both a fabulous selection of art works and some beautiful homes makes the tour a real win-win for everybody.

"And we have more artists involved this year, ranging from students starting out with their art to some of Dunedin’s most well-known artists," she said.

"This is the first time we have had student artists exhibiting, and we are really impressed with their art works — there are so many talented young people at our schools."

The works on display would include paintings, sculpture, ceramics, textile art and jewellery.

This digital art image, entitled Three Theropods, by Columba College student Finch Harris, will...
This digital art image, entitled Three Theropods, by Columba College student Finch Harris, will be on display in the Southern Art House Tour. Image: supplied
Among the many artists exhibiting are Lorna Allan, Anne Baldock, David Corballis, Nic Dempster, Sam Foley, Nick Guilford, Raimo Kuparinen, Ewan McDougall, Brenda Nyhof, Robert Piggott, John Z Robinson, Robert Scott, Ana Teofilo and Susan Videler.

Three generations of one artistic family would also be displaying works in the Art House Tour event — painter Linda Cook; her daughter, textile artist and Columba teacher Emma-Jane Cook; and grandchild, digital artist and year 13 Columba student Finch Harris.

Mrs Johnston said all of the art works exhibited in the homes and Dunedin Club would be for sale, and those on the tour could make their selections, buy them on the spot and collect them at the end of the day.

"We think it’s a great way to connect artists to art-lovers in an enjoyable and entertaining way."

An array of art works will be displayed in this spectacular Dunedin home as part of the Southern...
An array of art works will be displayed in this spectacular Dunedin home as part of the Southern Art House Tour — a joint fundraiser presented by Columba College and John McGlashan College. Photo: Lydia R Cook Real Estate Photography
The funds raised through the sale of tickets for the Southern Art House Tour and a commission on the sale of the art works will go towards support programmes at both schools.

"Our dream is to make this art tour a prominent event, enriching the local art calendar and supporting the educational journey of our future leaders," she said.

Information and tickets for the Southern Art House Tour can be found at www.southernarthousetour.co.nz, Humanitix and through the schools.

brenda.harwood@thestar.co.nz