Pyes Pā Art Exhibition Supports Local Schools

The second annual Pyes Pā Art Lovers Exhibition brought colour, creativity and community spirit to Pyes Pā Hall over the weekend of 20–21 June. Fourteen emerging and professional artists from Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty came together to showcase their work, joined by 53 young artists aged 5 to 17 representing home schooling and 15 local schools.

Community feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with visitors commenting on the impressive diversity, creativity and quality of the artworks on display. Many people said they had expected a quick walk around but instead stayed much longer than planned because there was so much to enjoy.

Based on the number of People’s Choice votes received, the exhibition welcomed approximately 500 visitors across Saturday, Saturday evening and Sunday. A huge thank you goes to everyone who attended, voted, encouraged the artists, bought raffle tickets, gave a gold coin donation and helped support both established artists and the next generation of young creatives.

The event raised $835 through gold coin donations and raffles. This money has been distributed to local schools that had two or more young artists enter the exhibition: Bellevue School, Katikati Primary School and Pukehina School each received $110; Pahoia School received $105; and Selwyn Ridge, Pillan Point, Aquinas and Pyes Pā each received $100.

Congratulations to the young artists recognised in their age categories. In the 5 to 8 years section, first place went to Jordan Shakesby from Pillan Point School for a round canvas fantail, and second place went to Lenny Bieberbach, who is home schooled, for a watercolour map. In the 9 to 13 years section, first place went to Maggie Harlan from Pahoia School for a framed horse head portrait, and second place went to Madeline Goldsmith from Omokoroa #1 for Spring Polar Bear.

In the 14 to 18 years section, first place went to Chloe Broxholme from Bethlehem for Hen’s Foot on a Brown Paper Bag, and second place went to Jessica Kent-MacDonald from Papamoa for a blue and purple abstract artwork.

The People’s Choice Artist awards also celebrated the professional and emerging artists. First place went to Brenda Brickland Art from Pukehina, second place to Cathi Barker from Pyes Pā, and third place to Emma Fray from Welcome Bay.

The Pyes Pā Art Lovers team is extremely grateful that the community embraced the exhibition so warmly. The event operates on a very tight budget, with no current funding or sponsorship, and all costs are covered by the 14 participating artists. The team is very cost conscious and would welcome contact from anyone interested in supporting, sponsoring or funding the 2027 exhibition, helping this community event continue to grow and inspire local creativity.

Cathi Barker – Organiser – www.pyespaartlovers.co.nz