The 2019 Molly Morpeth Canaday Award – Painting and Drawing (MMCA) is now open for public viewing at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi – Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre. This year the exhibition, which showcases 78 works in the media of painting and drawing, is supported by a range of exciting and inclusive free events.

Traditional opening night and gallery talk formats are complimented by new additions to the line-up that encourage dsicussion and value multiple perspectives. There are also opportunities for individuals and groups to mix and meet in the gallery, a panel talk and informal question and answer session.

Vititors to the exhibition can chat with MMCA gallery hosts while looking at the winning and finalist works on display. The People’s Choice Award voting box has been set up; attendees are also encouraged to vote for their favourite work in the exhibition. The recipient of the People's Choice Award ($500) will be announced in March 2019 when votes are tallied.

Events

• 2019 Molly Morpeth Canaday Award - Painting and Drawing exhibition
  Sunday 17 February – Sunday 7 April 
  Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi – Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre
   
• Locals Morning
  Saturday 23 February / 10:30am - 12pm
  Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi – Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre
  Morning tea with Mayor Tony Bonne, followed by gallery talk with Sue Whale.
   
• Gallery Talk: Andrew McLeod
  Saturday 9 March / 11am - 12pm
  Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi – Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre
  This painter and MMCA Preliminary Judge will speak on the NZ art scene as he sees it.
   
• Gallery Talk: Kirstin Carlin
  Saturday 16 March / 11am - 12pm
  Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi – Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre
  MMCA Preliminary judge and previous Major Award winner on her recent painting series.
   
• Panel Discussion: On Art Matters
  Saturday 30 March / 11am - 1pm
  Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi – Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre
  MMCA Preliminary Judge Ane Tonga, local artists Sarah Hudson and Te Marunui Hotene and arts expert James McCarthy will discuss art matters. Chaired by Wayne Mariott. Questions from the audience welcome! The discussion will be followed by light lunch and informal Q&A session with Ane Tonga.

Exhibition Partners Arts Whakatāne and Whakatāne District Council are proud to present the 2019 exhibition, and thank the sponsors and supporters who make the programme possible.