ABOUT US
NZ Sculpture OnShore presents a major biennial exhibition of New Zealand sculptural work suitable for the outdoors.
New Zealand Sculpture OnShore's biennial sculpture exhibition has become recognised as one of New Zealand's leading exhibitions. We have developed a reputation for exhibiting a vast and excellent collection of contemporary New Zealand art and have consistently delivered on our promise of providing an "excellent day out". Our connection with the spectacular cliff-top Fort Takapuna site overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, the breadth and diversity of our exhibition which allows us to take some artistic risks whilst still undertaking that there is "something for everybody" and particularly our support of New Zealand Women's Refuges, set us apart from other exhibitions and are points of differentiation we proudly promote.
The works of over 100 New Zealand artists are on public view and for sale during the 12-day exhibition at Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve.
NZ Sculpture OnShore Ltd is wholly owned by Friends of Women's Refuges, a charitable trust, which was formed in 1995 to raise funds for the support of NZ Women's Refuges. Including $150,000 from the 2008 exhibition, NZ Sculpture OnShore has been able to donate over $1 million dollars to help victims family violence.
Very much a community initiative, the small professional team is joined by over a hundred volunteers, thus ensuring overheads are kept to an absolute minimum.
$150,000 for Women's Refuges
At a cheque presentation ceremony in March 09, held at principal sponsors, Hesketh Henry Lawyers, the Prime Minister acknowledges the generous contribution the organisation made to New Zealand Women's Refuges from its 2008 exhibition.
NZ Sculpture OnShore Ltd Board
Nigel Arkell
Erich Bachmann
Gloria Drury
Sally Dewar
Jillian Ewart
Sue Harvey (chair)
Curator
Rob Garrett has a BFA from Elam and an MA in Art History from Otago. He recently led Auckland City Council's public art review and project managed Speculation, New Zealand's portable pavilion for the 52nd Venice Biennale. He has been a senior manager with Creative New Zealand and Head of Dunedin's School of Art.
Education Manager
Elizabeth ('Liz") Mertens graduated with a Diploma of Fine and Applied Arts from Otago Polytechnic in 1981 majoring in sculpture and has worked in a variety of art field
A trained teacher with an extensive background in education, she has worked with children from Years 1 through to 13, including those with special needs. She also has experience in adult education, the film industry, community art projects and youth orientated workshops in the greater Auckland area.
On a personal level Liz paints using oils, acrylic and egg tempera and is currently exploring sculptural form through the use of clay.
Administrative Assistant
Mel Sepping joined NZ Sculpture OnShore in 2009 and looks after the administrative aspects of the exhibition. She is also curently working for the Auckland Writers & Readers Festival and the Michael Hill International Violin Competition. Her previous jobs have included working as a publicist for TV3 (NZ), BBC Worldwide and IMG Artits (both in the UK) as well as some administrative work for the APO (NZ) and Warner Music (UK).
Installation Manager
Cyril Wright, director of Artstore, is a specialist in the packing and installation of artwork. The first exhibition he packed and toured around New Zealand was "NZ Sculptures at Madura" (1979).
Our colleagues across the ditch
Sculpture on the Sea is a breathtaking exhibition that hugs the sculptural cliffs along Sydney's popular Bondi Beach and takes place every year in late October - early November. It features Australian artists alongside international ones including several New Zealanders. (2009, Terry Stringer, Phil Price, and Leon van den Eijkel).
Prime Minister John Key with members of the Trust
Friends of Women's Refuges Trustees
- Dorothy McHattie (chair)
- Alix Bachmann
- Genevieve Becroft
- Christine Dackers
- Rhonwen Dewar
- Sally Dewar
- Gloria Drury
- Jillian Ewart
- Sue Harvey
- Pennie Kennings
- Sharman Ring
- Tania Stewart
- Lexie Turner
- Elaine White
Friends of Women's Refuges Patrons
Childrens Sculpture @ The Fort Committee
- Rhonwen Dewar
- Tania Stewart
- Jo Cummings
- Jill Cahill
- Michelle Male
NZ Sculpture OnShore Awards
2007 NBR Awards for Sponsorship of the Arts Special Merit Award for Hesketh Henry Lawyers sponsorship of NZ Sculpture OnShore 2006.
2006 North Shore City Civic Award to Friends of Women's Refuges for fund raising for refuges 2005 NBR Awards for Sponsorship of the Arts: Judges mention for Hesketh Henry Lawyers sponsorship as "A well-fitting partnership that raised twice the initial objective."
2001 winner of North Shore Times Community Contribution Award at Westpac Enterprise North Shore Business Excellence Awards
Lenore Sumpter honoured
Lenore Sumpter, one of the founders of Friends of Women's Refuges Trust, received a Queens Service Medal in the 2008 New Year honours list for her services to women and the arts. She has been associated with NZ Sculpture OnShore and previous arts fundraising events run by the Trust for women's refuges, and her particular expertise has been acting as co-ordinator in the selection of artists and liaising with the arts community. Over the 12 years Lenore has been a key part of the Trust, it is estimated she and her colleagues have raised close to $1 million for the refuge movement. We congratulate Lenore for her exhibition organisation and fundraising skills which have been recognised by this honour.