Academy Galleries Wellington August 28 to 30th, with TLC tutors Anne-Marie Jean and Jane Blackmore and ex-TLC student Matt Guild.

The business of art, it seems, is an emotional one. Not many commercial transactions have falling in love as a prerequisite for concluding the deal. Yet artists themselves confirm, and many an art collector would agree, that falling in love with a piece of art is the number one reason for buying it.

Such is the experience of five artists joining forces for an exhibition being held on 28, 29 and 30 August at the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. At a similar exhibition last year, the paintings of Wellington artists Jane Blackmore, Matt Guild, Anne-Marie Jean, Michael McCormack and Anna Stichbury were viewed by over 1600 people, in just three days. Many of the paintings left the building tucked lovingly under the arms of smitten new owners.

This year’s exhibition is set to be another crowd-pleaser. Over 65 original paintings will be on display, with all work available for sale, and visitors will be able to meet and talk with the artists over the weekend. The five artists have also conspired to help raise money for the Child Cancer Foundation. “The Foundation does an amazing job for children with cancer” says Matt Guild “and as a parent you are suddenly aware of how important organizations like this are.” The Foundation will receive the proceeds from an auction, featuring a painting donated by each artist. A cheque for $11,000 was presented to the Foundation last year, with hopes of raising at least $20,000 this time round. Guild says that it is “a pleasure for us to create individual pieces for such a good cause.”

The show is a fusion of styles by five artists who share the love of painting but approach it very differently. “It’s a rare chance to see a large number of diverse paintings in one space” says Anne-Marie Jean, “There will be something for everyone”. And as with all true love, there can be no telling who will fall for what. A visitor to last year’s exhibition was delighted, and her husband surprised, when she decided to use the money set aside for her 40th birthday party to instead buy one of Anna Stichbury’s paintings.

Anna Stichbury

The paintings on display will be of all sizes and prices. People can expect to see everything from the exquisitely small to the very grand, often snapped up for large living spaces and corporate foyers and boardrooms. Diverse styles aside, it was love and appreciation for all types of art that brought this group together in the first place. More particularly as painters “we are passionate about that process of laying the paint on the canvas” explains Jane Blackmore. But it is the rare opportunity to interact with the public that has brought them together again. “It is a pleasure to meet people who understand and appreciate where you are coming from as an artist, regardless of whether they buy or not” says Michael McCormack. “That kind of interaction is like sustenance– as an artist it helps you continue working”.There is a Public Opening event on Friday 28 August from 5.30pm – 8.00pm. Entry is free, with wine and nibbles provided.

This years exhibition is made possible with support from Grant Thornton, Kensington Swan, PrintStopPlus, Jackson Estate Wines and Billionnaires Catering. For more information visit the website.

Anne-Marie Jean

Jane Blackmore

Matt Guild

Michael McCormack