Howick Estuary Art Exhibition opens at Fo Guang Shan

Once again, Howick Uxbridge Art Centre’s “Estuary Artworks 2013” exhibition was held at Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery. On the afternoon of 5th May, the opening ceremony was attended by Gallery Curator Venerable Abbess Manshin, BLIA North Island president Dolly Tsai, Howick Local Council Representative Maggie Burill and Adele White, Baverstock primary school teacher Denise Moyle, and a crowd of 80 guests. This is the second time Uxbridge has worked with Fo Guang Shan.

This exhibition is sponsored by the Howick local board and organised by Uxbridge. The theme always centres on the environment of local estuaries. It is encouraged that artists utilise their creativity and the use of different medium to express their work. This year 25 pieces were selected for the exhibition.

During the ceremony Maggie Burill spoke on behalf of Uxbridge to express gratitude and joy of having Fo Guang Yuan gallery to display these pieces of art, thus allowing the general public to learn about the importance of preserving the ecosystem of our local estuary. Maggie then briefly introduced this year’s winning work, which is Belinda Griffith’s “Turn of the Tide”. The work is inspired by a 2012 news piece about a man being trapped within the Tamaki estuary, and eagerly waits to be rescued before the tide rises. The piece uses this to emphasis human’s close relationship with nature, thus showing our insignificance when compared to nature. From which to encourage everyone to be more attentive of environmental protection. Maggie also introduced the “people’s favourite award” winner Anne F Yang, whose work is an oil painting called “share”.

Venerable Abbess Manshin then spoke to welcome more local artists to exhibit their work at the Fo Guang Yuan gallery. She praised the qualities of this year’s entries, which shows all artists have really put their mind into the matter. The Abbess hopes there will be more local exhibitions at this gallery in the future.

This exhibition will be open until 11th July, all are welcomed to enjoy.