The Peninsula Schools Art Exhibition, hosted by Bayfield High School, in Andersons Bay, is a collective exhibition of art created by pupils from primary schools with connections to the peninsula.
Bayfield arts head Sophia Darling said a total of nine primary schools — Tainui, Broad Bay, Tahuna, Portobello, Macandrew Bay, Musselburgh, St Brigid’s, Grants Braes and Andersons Bay — would feature artworks, as well as Bayfield’s own photography and painting pupils.
Ms Darling said the exhibition gave pupils on the peninsula the opportunity to showcase their work.
"It’s a really great chance for all of the cluster schools to get together to be able to contribute and have some things on display in the hall," she said.
"Primary schools don’t often get the chance to display their work in such a cool space."
For the first time in the exhibition’s history, a local kindergarten would be included in the exhibition.
After visiting last year, Bayfield Kindergarten got in touch and wanted to get involved.
Ms Darling said it was great to include the kindergarten in this year’s exhibition and she was excited to see the children all get dressed up for the event.
This year’s theme was based on a quote by Vincent Van Gogh — "I dream of painting and then I paint my dream."
Ms Darling said it was tricky to choose a general theme that put all the schools on the same page.
As well as inspiring the kids to think outside the box, Ms Darling hoped it would encourage the children to continue making art.
"It’s a really good opportunity to be able to encourage everyone to keep creating artwork, right from when they’re little all the way until they get to high school," Ms Darling said.
The opening night would include nibbles and feature a live jazz band, to make it feel "like a real exhibition opening".
The Artist’s Room gallery managing director Michelle Chalklin-Sinclair would be a guest judge this year.
Each school would have first place and runner-up awards, with an overall prize up for grabs.
The exhibition would be open to the public tomorrow from 5.30pm, Ms Darling said.
