Stunning local artworks to raise funds for Branches Charity Trust

Some of the region’s best artists are auctioning their work at an Art and Hors D’oeuvres evening to raise funds for Queenstown’s Branches Charity Trust on Friday, July 31.

The Trust supports a 48-year-old tradition for Year 10 students at Wakatipu High School, where they’re sent out into the rugged outdoors for a life-changing 12-day camp at the head of Skipper’s Canyon.

Tickets for the fundraising evening at the Queenstown Memorial Centre cost just $20 and include drinks on arrival, nibbles and a very special opportunity to bid for some of the region’s best artwork.

From smaller works, prints and pottery right up to large pieces from prominent local artists, there’s a range on offer to suit all tastes and budgets.

Artworks going under the hammer this year include a modern ‘hard edge’ painting of Arrowtown’s historic Blue Door bar by Jacquie Buick, the bright and vibrant ‘Drummer’, by Andie King and woodland-themed paintings by artist and illustrator Rachel Errington.


Bright and vibrant – ‘Drummer’ by Andie King. Photo and caption courtesy of Southern PR.

Arrowtown born and bred Susan Cleaver, Wanaka-based multi-media artist Andi Regan and ceramics artist Jillian Porteous are also among the many artists to have donated work for auction.

Curators Vinny McCorkindale and Andie King said the evening would be “a night to remember” featuring 10 to 12 stunning pieces of art in the live auction, and dozens more smaller pieces in a silent auction.

“We’ll have a number of items that’ll be sought-after by art lovers everywhere, but we’ll also have a number of beautiful pieces for around $100 or so,” said Ms McCorkindale.

“The response from artists has been fantastic. Pieces to go under the hammer have been donated by more than 20 artists, worth thousands of dollars.

“Local suppliers have also been incredibly generous by providing wine and platters of food for the event. Many businesses and individuals have chipped in to cover running costs so that as much profit as possible goes directly to the Trust.”


Jacquie Buick’s ‘Blue Door, Arrowtown’. Photo and caption courtesy of Southern PR.

Costs of running the Branches camp have risen sharply in the past five years, so the Queenstown community has rallied to help offset the costs for families.

An incredible experience for young people, the students learn more about themselves and their peers as they abseil, kayak, tramp and learn to cook on open fires.

Art and Hors D’oeuvres will run from 5.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday July 31 at the Queenstown Memorial Centre. Tickets are available from Frontrunner Queenstown, Wakatipu High School office and the Arts Centre on Stanley Street.

Featured artists include:

Di Fox, Di Fitzgerald, J Porteous, Andi Regan, Annabelle Namaguchi, Sunhee Shin, Andie King, Fiona Smith, Jeri Elliot, Errol Bulling, Jacquie Buick, Tess Sheerin, Marion Marquand, Spike Wademan, Sue Wademan, Rachel Errington, Susan Cleaver, Emma Butler, Simon, Morrison Deaker, Emma Carter.


An example of Rachel Errington’s woodland paintings. Photo and caption courtesy of Southern PR.

Business sponsors, contributors and supporter include:

Wakatipu Rugby Club, Brand Land, QLDC, Smart Environmental, Southern Lakes Laundries, Southern PR, Tom Tom, Cougar Security, Fiona McDonald from Hoamz, Stewart Motors, Queenstown Art Society, Ferg and Quilly, Jan Maxwell, Nik Horn, Jo Boyd, Andie King and entertainment from the Golightlies.

Mt Edward Winery, Queenstown Brewers, Fresh Choice, Neat Meat Queenstown, Avanti Restaurant, Fine Food Brokers, Bidvest, Minami Jujisei Restaurant, St Pierre’s Sushi, Price Landscaping, Aoraki Smokehouse Salmon.