The annual Big Wai Art Sale held in Carterton in September has had a professional makeover and rebrand – to The Wai Art Show.
Organisers are also buzzing about a $1500 grant from the Wairarapa Building Society [WBS], to be used as a prize pool for young artists in the show.
The new logo and website are the work of Satellite Design duo, Jo Lysaght and David Murray.
Run by the Wai Art Trust and established in 2006 with the primary aim of supporting and promoting Wairarapa artists, this year’s show would be the trust’s 17th “giant cash and carry art show”, spokesperson Anna-Marie Kingsley said.
“It is always a tricky decision to rebrand, but we felt that the time was right; the initial logo has served us well and at the time reflected what the sale was all about.
“However, the quality of the art on display has reached such a high professional standard that the ‘cheap and cheerful’ Big Wai Art Sale logo no longer fits.”
Trustees Tracey Lysaght, Paulette Harris and Robyn Cherry Campbell had made a huge impact on the development of the show and got it to where it was, Kingsley said.
The trust has two new trustees, graphic designer Jo Lysaght and social media specialist Ngaire Kearney, both joining Kingsley in heading the Wai Art Show management team.
The art show, held in the Carterton Event Centre, has seen sales increase every year. In 2023, the trust received a $1500 WBS grant to encourage younger artists to participate.
“It is now easier for young artists to participate by being able to submit 1-2 works [rather than a whole panel] and with a reduced hanging fee of $5,” Kingsley said.
Jo Lysaght added: “Encouraging younger artists to exhibit is key to the diversity and longevity of the Wai Art Show. The prize pool of $1500 will hopefully boost young artists’ confidence and motivation to participate.”
The 2023 Wai Art Show runs from September 8-10. Visit www.waiart.nz if you are an artist interested in participating. Panel bookings open on July 1. Artists under the age of 21 can enter by August 1.
