Fourteen local artists and two photographers from Vanuatu are showing works and wares including pottery, drawings, sculpture, and jewellery in the annual Bannockburn Arts Exhibition (BAE) next weekend (October 13-15). 

The exhibition, opening from 5.30pm - 7.30pm on October 13 at the Cairnmuir Woolshed, is a chance to mingle with local and visiting artists.  

Bannockburn Arts chairperson Jan Hudson said it was great to have photography from two Ni-Vanuatuan artists and recognised seasonal employees among the many exhibits.

Kalomel Sepa and Masala Tete, who have digital images in the exhibition, live and work in Bannockburn and Cromwell.

Some of the exhibiting artists include photographers Rowan Klevstul, Martin Anderson, Tim Hawkins, Celia Walmsley and Maurice Middleditch.

Painters Suellen Bauer, Alan Coull, Gail de Jong, Megan Huffadine, Odelle Morshuis, and Christine O’Donnell, will also exhibit their works.

Guitar maker David Olds is exhibiting for the second time. Pictured are his guitars in the 2022 exhibition.

Other events are coming up over election weekend celebrating the arts and Central’s environment. 

The work of five women in glass is the subject of another exhibition opening on election day at Riverside Gallery, 42 Cornish Point Rd. 

‘The Five’ NZ art glass exhibition includes 25 glass works from five professional female glass artists. The exhibiting artists are Evelyn Dunstan, Carmen Simmonds, Heather Kremen, Karin Barr and Kate Cornwall.

It showcases a variety of glass making techniques, from glass casting to glass blowing as well as the use of the lost wax technique.

Jan said the event was the only South Island showing of The Five and the artists involved were planning to attend the BAE opening.

On Sunday afternoon at Poison Creek in the Queensberry hills, Bannockburn Arts has arranged a tour of the outdoor sculptures and the stories behind each one will be shared.

The tour has sold out, but visitors to BAE can put their name down to be included on a mailing list for future tours.   

One of the sculptures at Poison Creek. PHOTO: Supplied 

The Bannockburn Across the Bridge committee used to operate under Arts Central and has established the Bannockburn Arts Charitable Trust, now known as Bannockburn Arts.

The organisation, run by volunteers, puts on events supporting creativity and social interaction to benefit the Bannockburn region. 

Bannockburn Arts has been running for more than 12 years and has helped many local artists and Bannockburn gain recognition as a creative hotspot.

To find out more visit Bannockburn Arts .