The latest edition of the Alpine Energy Art Awards and Annual Exhibition officially opened on Friday night.
Run by the South Canterbury Art Society, the event gives subscribing members of a registered New Zealand art society the opportunity to exhibit, sell and have their latest works judged in a true gallery setting.
Guest artists Polly Rowe, Debbie Templeton Page and Diana Peneamene also provided pieces to display in the exhibition.
This year the judging was done by Craighead Diocesan School’s visual arts head of department Gala Kirke.
South Canterbury Art Society president Lesley Brown said there was a wide variety of different works on display this year.
"We’ve had lots of oil paintings, which is great.
"There's a lot, there's the sort of delicate drawings and pastel work of animals.
"I'm pretty pleased with it actually, in terms of what's come in."
She said about 118 pieces were selected for display, ranging from oil and watercolour paintings to 3D and mixed media artworks.
"I've been president for a few months, I've seen a lot of the things, so I feel like I'm surrounded by the people, even though it's an artwork.
"It's like, ‘there's Diana’, but it's actually the works of Diana, but it's knowing the person which is really cool.
"I think that connection between the artists and the artwork and the people viewing is something quite special about the show."
Ms Brown said it was great to continue to hold the annual exhibition.
"It's amazing, and it's a wonderful regional connection between a society and a big public gallery.
"This is the big show that people get a chance to exhibit in, because not all artists across New Zealand get a chance to exhibit in a major gallery."
"I've been reading a lot about how art gives us things and one of the things we don't realise is that just by looking at art, it can help you with your mental well-being.
"It gives your mind a chance to rest, be calm, but also imagine.
"The value of art is sometimes not seen, but actually it's got a huge impact on us and having it around you gives you so much.
"You don't realise that until it's gone."
She encouraged everyone to come and check out what was on show.
"If you haven't been to a gallery before, this is the place to come."
It was also the last year Alpine Energy would be sponsoring the event, she said.
"They've been hugely supportive in the past and we appreciate all the support they’ve given the exhibition over the years."
The exhibition ends October 27; works will be for sale until then.
