Contemporary three-dimensional art from Kaitaia to Dunedin and many places in between will be arriving in Whakatāne in the coming weeks for the 2018 Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 3D exhibition. Over 230 works were submitted, with nearly 60 making the final selection for the upcoming exhibition at Te kōputu a te whanga a Toi – Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre, which opens to the public on Saturday 17 February.

“For the next few months, Whakatāne is placing itself at the centre of contemporary art in New Zealand,” said Eric Holowacz, Director of Whakatāne Museum and Arts, which co-presents the programme with Arts Whakatāne. “Sculpture, multi-media, and craft objects are now on their way to our community and galleries, including new works by local artists from Tauranga, Rotorua, and Ōpōtiki. It is an extraordinary gathering of creative statements and ideas.”

The up-coming Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 3D exhibition begins with a free public preview on Saturday 17 February from 10am to 2pm, giving residents and visitors a first look at New Zealand’s contemporary art scene across three gallery spaces. Award winners will be announced that evening at a ticketed Opening Reception and Award Presentation beginning at 5:30 pm. Tickets will be available from The Good Life, located on The Strand in Whakatāne, from 7 February. 

Organisers are looking forward to the discussions sure to bubble up when the doors open. Award Coordinator Heather Hourigan says, "No Molly Morpeth Canaday Award is ever complete without having our perceptions of what art should be challenged. This year viewers won't be disappointed with the stunning and diverse line up of works ranging from beautifully crafted objects to colourful textile hangings and a wave water-feature.”   

The 2018 Molly Morpeth Canaday Award 3D is presented by Arts Whakatāne and Whakatāne Museum and Arts, and made possible by the generous support of the Molly Morpeth Canaday Trust. The Fund was established over 25 years ago by Frank Canaday in memory of his wife Molly Morpeth Canaday and has been a major supporter of the arts in Whakatāne ever since.

The 2018 exhibition will run from 17 February to Sunday 8 April, and is free and open to all.  More information can be found at www.mollymorpethcandayaward.co.nz.