At Milford Galleries, Queenstown from 9th April – 1st June 2011

The Royal Queenstown Easter Show is now firmly established as an important annual overview of the depth, breadth and extraordinary achievements characterising contemporary NZ art.

The RQES contains significant paintings, glass, photography and sculpture. There are new paintings by Mike Petre, compelling works from Darryn George and Neal Palmer. Sue Hawker, recent winner of the prestigious Ranamok Glass Prize, presents pate de verre glass of great complexity. Mike Crawford’s Matuku Moana Jugs are imbued with the poise and sensations of birds feeding. Hannah Kidd’s skill of representational accuracy and innate animal character is to be seen in a suite of antlered fawns. Peter Evans’ superb photographs of St. Bathans present the uniqueness of that most remarkable place.

There are exquisite drawings by Simon Edwards, and signature glass works by Claudia Borella, Luke Jacomb, Emily Siddell and Christine Cathie. Major works include Nigel Brown’s evocative “Resonate,” Karl Maughan’s beautiful “Green Road” and Ann Robinson’s masterful “Red Curved Vase.” Recent paintings by Stanley Palmer, Callum Arnold, Andy Leleisi’uao (McCahon artist in residence 2010), Neil Frazer, Jenna Packer and Reuben Paterson are also featured. Wayne Barrar (currently artist in residence at University of Northhampton and with a major survey exhibition touring NZ now) is represented by two wonderful photographs.