Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, May 10, 2024
In a testament to enduring friendship and unwavering support for the arts, Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato is set to launch a new exhibition titled “Art & Wonder: Gifts from the Friends of Waikato Museum” today, on May 10, 2024. This exhibition commemorates five decades of philanthropic dedication by the Friends of Waikato Museum, showcasing a curated selection of artworks acquired over the years.
An Enduring Legacy
Liz Cotton, the Director of Museum and Arts, expressed her gratitude, stating, “A golden milestone like this is a fantastic opportunity to show how much we appreciate the mahi and generosity of the Friends of Waikato Museum.” Ms Cotton emphasised the pivotal role the Friends have played in enriching the museum’s collection through their continuous support, fundraising efforts, and advocacy for the arts in Kirikiriroa Hamilton.
Enriching Waikato’s Cultural Landscape
The exhibition, curated to mark the 50th anniversary of the Friends of Waikato Museum, features a diverse array of artworks, ranging from intricate wood engravings by Campbell Smith to bold ceramic sculptures by Paul Maseyk. According to Ms Cotton, these works reflect the Friends’ profound love for contemporary art in all its forms, from the emerging to the established.
Catherine Smith, President of the Friends of Waikato Museum, expressed pride in the group’s achievements over the past half-century, affirming their commitment to supporting the museum and preserving cultural treasures for future generations. Smith highlighted the Friends’ ongoing dedication to advocating for art and history, a mission deeply rooted in the group’s founding principles.
The exhibition’s title, “Art & Wonder,” draws inspiration from Pat Hanly’s symbolic painting, “Wonder,” acquired by the Friends in 1983. Other notable works include Don Binney’s “Erangi, Te Henga, Southward” from 1976, representing the Friends’ earliest acquisition, and Sara Tautuku Orme’s photograph, “Ko Te Awa Ko Au – Darling (Darz),” the most recent addition to the collection.
Event Details
To celebrate the exhibition’s opening, a free public event titled “Art & Wonder: Panel Talk” will be held on May 10, 2024. Waikato Museum curator Dr Nadia Gush, alongside Catherine Smith and author Peter Dornauf, will lead a discussion on contemporary Waikato artists and artworks featured in the exhibition.
“Art & Wonder: Gifts from the Friends of Waikato Museum” exhibition will be open daily from 10 am to 5 pm at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato from May 10, 2024 to July 21, 2024. Admission is free, inviting all to experience the enduring legacy of friendship and philanthropy that has enriched the cultural landscape of Waikato.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
