Auckland Grammar School Art Expo

Media release – August 22, 2011

Many of NZ’s most famous and finest cartoonists are exhibiting at the Auckland Grammar School art expo this weekend. Many of New Zealand’s most celebrated editorial newspaper cartoonists, including former New Zealand cricketer Murray Webb, will feature in this year’s Auckland Grammar School art expo.

The inaugural editorial cartoon section of the ninth annual exhibition will be a special feature during this year’s art expo. The event is probably the biggest and best school art exhibition anywhere in New Zealand. Organisers expect to net $80,000 for the school’s foundation trust.

Organising committee chair Annabel Lush said today they have about 120 artists exhibiting over 600 pieces of art: "We take over the school’s main hall, which is a fabulous venue and is transformed from the usual rows of bleachers to a sea of crisp black panels. People are stunned by the transformation.
Auckland Grammar is very well known for its sportsmen, politicians and business leaders but it also excels in the fields of performing and visual arts."

Lush said some of the cartoonists had gone for a rugby theme being the year of the World Cup in New Zealand like Murray Webb’s cartoon of Dan Carter taking a kick. Another artist, Chris Slane, had chosen former student, Sir Ed Hillary as his subject.

Among other cartoonists competing is New Zealand newspaper cartoonists Peter Bromhead and Rod Emmerson. All 14 of the cartoonists are members of the National Cartoon Archive.

Media advisory: For further information, comment, photos or interview, contact Annabel Lush on 021 738 990, Toni Durrant at Auckland Grammar on 09 638 0554 or Kip Brook at Word of Mouth Media NZ on 0275 033855. See: www.agsartexhibition.school.nz.

Painting attached: A Chris Slane rugby art work.