The Kelliher Art Trust is delighted to present this exhibition of 32 superb landscapes from its collection. “Rare and unrivalled beauty” is a phrase used by Sir Henry Kelliher to characterise our spectacular countryside and it was its preservation by artists in painting that inspired him to establish the celebrated competition that bore his name. Sir Henry Kelliher was a longstanding patron of the arts and in 1956 he established the Kelliher Art Competition “to capture the grandeur of the New Zealand scene in all its changes through the seasons” - as he described it. The objective of the competition (1956-1977) was to encourage realistic portrayals of New Zealand’s landscapes and the ways of life of its people for the entire world to see.

In selecting a cross-section from the collection for this exhibition, we included works by Kelliher-era artists as well as contemporary artists.  You are encouraged to pick up and enjoy the extensive, free catalogue that accompanies the exhibition.  It incorporates not only a list of the exhibits but essays, artists’ biographies and the history of and other information about the Kelliher Art Competition.  Christopher Johnstone Curator, Kelliher Art Trust

Christopher Johnstone came to New Zealand as the Director of the Auckland Art Gallery (1988-1995) following an art museum career at the Tate Gallery, National Galleries of Scotland, the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Art Gallery of South Australia. He is the author of several books including: Landscape paintings of New Zealand. A journey from north to south, 2013.  The Millennium Public Art Gallery is the first venue for this South Island exhibition’s tour. 

RSVP is essential
Please register your attendance by Thursday 27 January: info@marlboroughart.org.nz