Exhibition reflects childhood summer holidays in NZ

<i>Assorted Collection </i>(2011), based on memories of great Kiwi holidays at the bach, is one of the artworks Auckland artist Philippa Bentley will present to the public in the Arrowtown Gallery on Wednesday. Photo supplied.

Memories of summer holidays conjured up by New Zealand brands and the 1950s trend of butterflies on houses are among the inspirations an Auckland artist will discuss in Arrowtown.

"Bugs, Beetles and a White Flock" is an exhibition of eight artworks by Philippa Bentley and nine artworks by Kelvin Mann, in the Arrowtown Gallery.

Bentley will attend the show opening on Wednesday in the gallery at 5.30pm.

Gallery partner Simon Beadle said Bentley's pieces were "a combination of exquisite insects with some of New Zealand's heritage brands screen-printed and hand-coloured on paper or recycled weatherboards".

Her works range in price from $990 to $1800.

Mann was born in Dunedin and lives in Dublin. His works on paper were "characterised by an immense attention to detail, skilful rendering of his medium and an incredible imagination, often topped with a clever sense of humour", Mr Beadle said.

They fetched between $400 and $1000.

Mr Beadle said the exhibition opening was invitation only, but anyone was welcome to call the gallery on (03) 442-1755 and reserve free entry. Booking was recommended because the gallery could comfortably accommodate about 40 people.