Painted Stories is an exhibition that continues our annual series of collaborations with the Christchurch-based national children’s literature trust, Painted Stories (formerly Te Tai Tamariki). Joy Cowley is one of New Zealand's best-loved writers for children. Her awards include the Margaret Mahy Medal; the NZ Post Children's Book Award 2006; the Roberta Long Medal, Alabama, USA; and the AW Reed Award for Contribution to New Zealand Literature. She is a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit and has written for children for over 60 years.

Illustrations from books Joy has written for Gecko Press will feature in Painted Stories. The exhibition will run from 20 June through to the second Marlborough Book Festival, 24-26 July, where Joy is a featured writer. Joy lives in Featherston, New Zealand, but has a special relationship with Marlborough. She lived in the Marlborough Sounds for many years and continues to return for holidays. Many of her most loved stories were written in the tranquility of Sounds. Exhibition-based July school holiday activities and a family event with Joy are also taking place.