'Life' art exhibition

The New Zealand Art Guild in association with the Bruce Mason Centre raised over $20,000 for the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation (LBF) at the "Shave an Artist" Charity Art Auction and "Life" Exhibition.

On 3rd February, top NZ artist Sofia Minson was the first to shave her locks followed by 18 others. Artists Jennifer Christiansen, Marimba Powley, Helen Sherrock, Sharlene Shcmidt, Juliet Cryns, Victoria Anderson also shaved and were joined by friends and members of the public.

In addition, North Shore City Mayor Andrew Williams, who officially opened the event, won an opportunity with a bid of $200 to shave MP Rodney Hide's head.

The exhibition, which included artists from around New Zealand, was a celebration and appreciation of all facets of life. The artists were given discretion to interpret the theme and give voice to those whose lives are touched by leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and related blood conditions.

The concept was the creative vision of Sofia Minson. Sofia approached the NZ Art Guild to get a group of artists together. Once the seed was planted the idea developed into an event with the help of Sophia Elise, Manager at the NZ Art Guild.

To view the brave ‘shavees’ profiles and photos, click here.

100% of the auctioned artworks price and 20% of the sale price of the exhibition artworks goes to LBF to help support the 6 New Zealand children and adults who are diagnosed with blood cancers every day.