Tongariro National Park focus of art exhibition

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 568, 28 December 1994, Page 9

Tongariro National Park focus of art exhibition

Taupo professional artist Val Raymond has set another precedent in New Zealand art circles. Her next exhibition due to open in Taupo 9 January, will be the first to focus solely on the Tongariro National Park. Entitled "A Portrait of Tongariro National Park", it comprises over 1 50 oils and watercolours including a special series of abstract expressions. "It has been my greatest artistic challenge to date," said Val Raymond. "Not only is it my largest exhibition but it is an entirely new all seasons collection." Val Raymond has literally "lived" the Tongariro National Park for three years to achieve her dream of sharing its magic

through her paintings. Tramping the Park to explore its many natural wonders has been awe-inspiring for her. "My search to capture the Park's complex natural palette has pushed me to explore new abstract interpretations," she explains. "It's been an exciting time of artistic development for me and an enormous aesthetic challenge." The exhibition to be held at the Taupo District Museum of Art and History will be officially opened by the Minister of Conservation, Hon Denis Marshall, on 8 January. It will be open to the public from 9 January to 2nd March.