Art Marlborough - Toi Wairau will be a special exhibition celebrating outstanding historical to contemporary; Maori and Pakeha art from Marlborough collections. Running for six weeks at Marlborough’s public art gallery in the centre of Blenheim, this is a unique, free opportunity for visitors to learn the stories of Marlborough’s people, places and events through a wide range of art.

Arts featured includes stunning photography by pre-eminent New Zealand wine photographer and acclaimed Marlborough winemaker, Kevin Judd, from his famous series which culminated in the groundbreaking 1999 publication ‘The Colour of Wine: Photographs from the Vineyards of Marlborough’. Historical oil paintings such as Frank Huddleston’s1884 oil of Picton Harbour will be presented alongside contemporary landscapes by Marlborough’s renowned abstract painter JS Parker, and Hunter’s Wines’ artist in residence, popular impressionist artist Clarry Neame. Treasures such sculpture by Iosefa Leo and ceramics by Fran Maguire will also be shown.

Rangitane o Wairau is a partner in this project and is contributing works from their fabulous collection. Traditional Maori art by Blenheim-based, Ngati Maniapoto Master Carver, Reg Thompsett will be a highlight. Reg was responsible for carving the meeting house (whare nui), Te Aroha o Te Waipounamu, at Omaka Marae, Blenheim. His works tell stories of the first people in the Wairau (Marlborough region) hundreds of years ago. A special contemporary abstract painting from the Millennium Art Gallery’s Maori art collection will speak about light over a period of time. Ngati Raukawa and Rangitane artist, Linda Waimarie King’s Intersections of Time (2005) represents the ancient past through to the present, in and around the Wairau.

This project is an accessible showcase event for the Marlborough region's contribution to the nationwide Real New Zealand festival around Rugby World Cup 2011. Activities for people of all ages will be held in association with the exhibition.

Art Marlborough - Toi Wairau is your chance to get up close and personal with Marlborough’s strong art history.

Images: Kevin Judd by Bob Campbell

Clarry Neame: Ancestors’ Lament, oil on canvas, 200