More than 40 new works will be exhibited as part of the Creative Hawke's Bay Invitational 2008 to be held at the Hawke's Bay Exhibition Centre, Hastings.

The Invitational opens on Friday 18 April and runs through to Sunday 15 June.

All the artists involved in the exhibition have a link with Hawke's Bay and all have been asked to produce new original work specifically for the show. More than 40 new works will be exhibited as part of the Creative Hawke's Bay Invitational 2008 to be held at the Hawke's Bay Exhibition Centre, Hastings.

The Invitational opens on Friday 18 April and runs through to Sunday 15 June.

All the artists involved in the exhibition have a link with Hawke's Bay and all have been asked to produce new original work specifically for the show.The exhibition is the second organised by Creative Hawke's Bay, in part to assist with the funding of their popular lecture series, but also as an opportunity for a selection of professional artists to show together in a large space in Hawke's Bay.

Artists exhibiting range from the well-established such as Don Driver and Dick Frizzell to newer names from the region, such as Ben Pearce and Reuben Friend .

A twist on the traditional format of an art show is the opening night on Friday 18 April which will feature an Auction of Commissions.

Susan Melhuish, the manager of Creative Hawke's Bay ,who is organising the show, said the auction will be a very smart black-tie event containing no 'up-front' work.

"Bidders will purchase, and gain the right to brief and work with the artist who will create a personal art work to their specifications and aesthetics," said Ms Melhuish.

"This will be a very special event, with a small, carefully selected group of artists involved. It's a great opportunity for an artist and a purchaser to work hand in hand, and we hope to encourage lots of patronage by local people for the commissions".

James Parkinson from Art+Object will act as auctioneer for the night.

The Creative Hawke's Bay Invitational is at the Hawke's Bay Exhibition Centre, 201 Eastbourne Street, Hastings from 18 April - 15 June.

For more information, or tickets to the Opening night, phone 06 835 7719 or visit Creative Hawkesbay.

04/04/08