Curator of visual arts Anna McLean said the 2024 exhibition was a showcase for the community and a celebration of children’s art.
"Every year school students from around the Waitaki share their artistic talents with us. The Forrester Gallery asks all schools and early childhood education centres in the Waitaki District to contribute student artwork to the Burns Memorial Exhibition."
The exhibition is named after distinguished journalist and advocate for children’s art George Burns. Born in Oamaru in 1903, he started work at the North Otago Times as a 16-year-old.
After moving to the Christchurch Star in 1923 he became a parliamentary reporter and worked his way up to become editor in 1945, the youngest in the country at the time.
As editor, Mr Burns introduced and sponsored the travelling Christchurch Star-Sun Schools Art Exhibition for almost 20 years, until it concluded in 1969.
Before his death Mr Burns suggested Oamaru create a exhibition to continue showcasing children’s art.
It was first hosted by the North Otago Art Society until the Forrester Gallery opened in 1983.
A preview event of the 2024 Burns exhibition had been held for the Oamaru Pacific Island Community Group and the Elizabeth King-curated exhibition runs until October 24.
