Picture courtesy NZAF An auction of works from some of New Zealand's most accomplished artists is thought to have raised more than $50,000 for HIV prevention initiatives. Among the items that went under the hammer at For The Love of Art was a piece donated from the personal collection of Peter Stichbury. The auction was hosted by the New Zealand Aids Foundation in conjunction with ART + OBJECT in the Auckland suburb of Freemans Bay on 8 July. Karen Walker contributed a piece of custom-made jewellery and there were other luxury packages, including one carat diamond earrings from Graham Thomson Antiques and an Eagles Nest luxury retreat in the Bay of Islands. NZAF National Communications Co-ordinator Dawn O'Connor says For the Love of Art was greater than expected. "The total proceeds, which will benefit NZAF HIV prevention initiatives, are likely to be more than $50,000," she says. "We'd like to thank and acknowledge the extremely generous contribution of both the artists and those who gave works from their personal collections, as well as Ben Plumbly and his team from ART + OBJECT for offering their services on the night and everyone else who donated their time and talent. Without them, For the Love of Art would not have been possible." Other artists whose work was auctioned were Michael Parekowhai, Shane Cotton, Sam Mitchell, Saskia Leek, John Reynolds, Michael Harrison, Gavin Hipkins, Gavin Hurlet, et al., Andrew Barber, Richard Maloy, Francis Upritchard, Peter Robinson, Rohan Wealleans, Richard Orjis and Geoffrey Heath. Picture courtesy NZAF
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 12th July 2010 - 1:10pm