The not so Affordable Art Show
Last night I had the special privilege of being able to attend the 6th Annual Affordable Art Gala at the TSB Bank Arena in Wellington, which is being held from Friday 31 July to August 2nd. Wow is all I can say, I don’t think I have ever seen that much art in one place at any one time and, together with all the people there, it’s a large event.
I must say that when I first got there I was a little overwhelmed to be fair, John Key officially opened the event and then it was all on. You could go in any direction and all the art was displayed in sections around the venue. What was really funny though was after John Key had opened the Gala, I felt this immense sense of panic too get a move on and find my great special deal for the evening.
What turned out to excitement very quickly dissipated into disappointment, I couldn’t find anything I liked and certainly not when I was under pressure. There were the seasoned art lovers who were taking paintings up to the pay table, but there were even more of us just wandering around.
What I think I was most disappointed with was the price, I think maybe they forgot to mention to the artists it was the Affordable Art Show not the unknown Artists Art Show. I couldn’t find anything I liked for a reasonable price and one friend, who has attended for many years, also found the prices very high. The first year it started she and her husband bought two pieces that were really good for $250.00, for both of them. She didn’t buy anything either. If you were going in search of that fantastic bargain you will be very disappointed.
I loved a ceramic handbag which funnily enough is very me, but had far to much trouble parting with the $1050 they wanted for it. I also really like another painting but once again had trouble parting with the $3,500 they wanted for that one as well. There were lots of other paintings that were cheaper but the really amazing deals that were to be had when the show probably started years ago certainly weren’t there.
I did however like the social side of the event, meeting people, the food was fantastic, the atmosphere buzzing and in general was a nice event to catch up and meet people.
This is one of those things that probably when it first started it was great and you could get a really good deal, but I certainly didn’t find it so. They do however keep replenishing the artwork all weekend so don’t assume all the good ones are gone already, they claim they unpack their work randomly and their piece might just be going on display today.
Don’t forget to take your cheque book, you’ll need it. The price of most of these paintings you wont have cash for. Good luck.
Venue: TSB Arena, Wellington.