23rd April 2019 / Beth Oleyar: Save the Date: Canterbury Art Exhibition

Held between Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th May this year, the long-running Canterbury Art Exhibition will be holding it's 47th exhibition in 2019.

As a major sponsor for the exhibition, Fletchers sat down with marketing and event coordinators, Cheryl Wood and Anne Chipperfield, who tell us a little about the art show and what to expect this year.

How long does it take to prepare for a show like this?

The initial meetings for this years event started in about October or November last year. So, say 6 months. That said, there is still lots of wrapping up that goes on after the show ends!

What will you be raising funds for?

As a major fundraiser for Canterbury Primary School, the school is looking to do some upgrades in the playground this year. The plan is to put some sun-shades over one of the junior playgrounds while attending to some general maintenance on the senior playground.

How has the exhibition evolved over the years?

Each year, there is a different focus on the type of art that is actually on display. I think this year, we've kind of worked on refining some of the activities that are associated, such as workshops for the kids.

Probably the biggest change that's happened over the years is the change of the layout. It moved it from being in the school buildings, like the library and now it's within our new gymnasium. Working out how best to use the space in the school with minimum disruption to the teachers and students has always been really important to us.

What is the variety of artwork at the show?

This year, there's a range of photography within the selection as well as oils and acrylics on different mediums. We also have a few watercolours and sculptures to show and there's always been some charcoal and ink drawings on display.

In the lead up to the event, all students also create a piece of art and we hold a silent auction on each of their artworks, which is great.

Can you tell us a little about the feature artists?

Catherine Fitzgerald and Geoff Cunningham have both been long-time exhibitors. Catherine has been a feature artist every year for the last 15 years and she's been a really strong supporter of the art show. As a self-taught artist, Catherine's painting technique blends semi-realism with impressionism which then transpires to abstraction. Her works have been acquired by private and corporate collectors worldwide.

Geoff has been with us for at least 4-5 years, possibly longer. As a local artist, Geoff previously worked in the graphic arts industry before leaping into fine arts. He specialises in stencil paintings and enjoys exploring the beauty, drama and humour in everyday life.

What have you got organised for opening night?

It's a night of celebration where you can connect with the school community and be the first to purchase art while enjoying some beverages and canapes. We also now have the catalogue available online, so if people are keen to look at the pieces prior to the exhibition, they can do that on our website.

Will you be having a gift shop?

Yes, the gift shop will be open Friday night and over the weekend, which is always handy to have the week before Mother's Day! We also have a cafe on Saturday and Sunday.

What is your favourite thing about the show?

I love the opening night, I think it's fun. It's a nice social event and a great opportunity to walk around and look at the artwork without having the kids around. [laughs]

And of course, we always love seeing it come together. Walking through the exhibition and feeling the buzz that it gives you knowing so many amazing people within the school community can work together is great.

How has Fletchers supported you over the years?

Fletchers have very generously supported our fundraising efforts through promotion and getting the message out there, particularly with the community boards and through the website and postcards.

Through the donations made by Fletchers, the art committee have been able to save on expenses and attract spending. With more money raised, more projects have been able to be completed over recent years, improving the school for now and the future.

Canterbury Art Exhibition

Featuring local artists, Catherine Fitzgerald and Geoff Cunningham, the Canterbury Art Exhibition will host its Opening Night at Z30pm on Friday May 3'd.

Tickets are now available to purchase at trybooking