Fanfare marks Chateau art show

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 13, Issue 602, 5 September 1995, Page 6

Fanfare marks Chateau art show

There was much fanfare for the opening last Thursday night of the Grand Chateau Winter Art Exhibition featuring Richard Lewer's paintings, wood turning by Andrew Beggs and selected works from Ruapehu College students. The paintings and wood turnings were displayed in the Ruapehu Room and guests could wander round at their leisure, appreciating the art, the ambience of the Chateau and the complimentary Morton Estate wine amidst the guitar strummings from The Rollers. A large Ohakune eontingent travelled to the Chateau to support the exhibition, including the Ruapehu College Maori Club who opened the exhibition with a waiata. Many friends of the exhibitors and art enthusiasts came from all around the North Island. The exhibition was organised by Paul Stiegelbauer as a fund-raiser for the Ruapehu Ski Foundation. Paul says the aim of the exhibition is to give promising contemporary artists such as Richard and Andrew access to a mainstream

audience. At the same time the exhibition raises money for individuals in the Whakapapa Ski Team. Over the years lots of people have benefited from the foundation, including Simon Wi Rutene and Analese Coberger , a current recipient is Todd Haywood. Interest in the exhibition was extremely high and the opening night was very successful, said Paul. On opening night three of Richard' s paintings were sold and three paintings by Ruapehu College students James Beech, Todd Haywood and Bridie Cleary were also sold. The gallery fee of all saies went to the Ruapehu Ski Foundation. Guests at the Chateau were also welcome to the exhibition and Tim and Neil Finn happened by and Neil said he was very impressed with Richard' s painting Rakaua and the dog go to mow the meadow. Paul was pleased that the students' paintings were received so well. Paul is already planning next years event. He wants to keep the exhibition varied each year but still wants to retain the local flavour. He says the pinnacle will be 1997 when the exhibition will celebrate its 21st.