Marlborough Art Society
 The
Marlborough Gallery, situated at 204 High Street, Blenheim
(map),
is an integral part of the Marlborough Art Society Inc.
The Marlborough Art Society was founded in
1967 by a small group of like- minded hobby artists. The members
held regular exhibitions of their work and as the group grew
so also did the need for larger premises. In 1998 following
an intensive fund raising project, the present premises at
204 High Street became the permanent, debt-free home of the
Marlborough Art Society and the newly created Marlborough
Gallery.
The building houses a large studio area, library, kitchen
facilities and the adjoining Marlborough Gallery. A large
private car park provides ample off street parking.
The current membership stands at over 300 members, a large
percentage of whom are practising artists.
The aims of the Society are to promote the creative arts
by providing opportunities for education in a wide range of
different media and giving opportunity for artists to display
their works in regularly held exhibitions.
As part of its community outreach the Gallery has hosted several
New
Zealand wide travelling exhibitions and more recently was
host to the New Zealand Schizophrenia Art Awards. It also
encourages local school groups to visit exhibitions with Gallery
supervisors providing background information about the paintings
on display.
There are two annual members' Exhibitions in autumn and August.
Due to the rapid growth in artist members, entries are now
limited to one per member.
The Peters Doig Marlborough Art Awards held
annually in May has established itself as one of the country's
prestigious art exhibitions. Now in its 7th year it attracts
entries from all over New Zealand and is regarded as the high
point of the Gallery's year.
Bookings for gallery space are now being accepted for 2011
- an indication,
perhaps, of its popularity and regard within the wider artistic
community.
Discounted rates apply for members of the Art Society and
when necessary
the Gallery also provides daily supervision of the Gallery
for the duration of the exhibition.
Further details may be obtained from Jennifer
Godden, the exhibitions convenor (03) 579 3967.
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