The grand opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Art Salon was held at Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery Auckland on 14 December 2024, with nearly 100 attendees present. Distinguished guests included Venerable Abbess Manshin, Curator of Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery; Kaumatua Tame Hauraki; Dr Jennifer Hauraki, Acting Clinical Head of Counties Manukau District; Lintao Yu, Advisor of BLIA North Island Chapter; Adele White, Howick Local Board Member; Kevin Simpkin, Chair Volunteer Manukau Area Committee of St John; local artists and art enthusiasts.
This exhibition features an impressive collection of nearly 300 works from 51 artists, spanning a variety of mediums, including painting, resin art, sculpture, ceramic, jewellery design, photography, mosaic art, sand art and flax weaving. This year came into the Eighth Art Salon, showcasing the remarkable talent of 180 artists and over 1,200 spectacular artworks, setting a new scale and cultural influence record.
The Curator Abbess expressed deep gratitude to the artists for their creativity, enthusiasm and dedication to revitalising the Art Salon. Reflecting on the immense participation this year, the second session of the exhibition was elaborately arranged to fully manifest the artists’ creations and extend the enthusiasm and atmosphere the art evokes. Abbess quoted the Founder of the FGS Buddhist Order, Venerable Master once said, that the Capable people can always simplify complexity and lift weights lightly. The curator highlighted the tireless efforts of the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery team and the participating artists, whose contributions add colour, joy and inspiration to the community. Abbess also shared that during the first session of the exhibition, 64 Live Art Demonstrations were conducted, fostering rich interactions between artists and the public. It is so pleased that an additional 23 live demonstrations will be held this month, inviting enthusiasts to participate and share their creations and ideas to create an artistic atmosphere within our lives.
Adele White congratulated the success of the Art Salon Opening Ceremony. Thanks to all the seasoned artists who contributed to this special event, which conveyed the harmony and tranquility of the multicultural intertwining within the community.
The sculptor Artist Tom Somerville expressed his heartfelt appreciation by presenting Venerable Abbess with a bouquet of hydrangeas from his garden. He praised Fo Guang Shan’s breathtaking environment and applauded the Art Gallery team for curating and showcasing all the artists’ works elegantly and thoughtfully that transcends art. Tom remarked on the temple’s architecture and landscape as a source of inspiration, beautifully complementing the artistic creations on display.
Diego Silva, a ceramic artist and first-time participant, shared his joy: “I heard about this opportunity through an artist friend. I’m so impressed by the Gallary team’s professionalism. I feel warm welcomed and respected. It’s truly an honour to be a part of this event.”
The 2024 Summer Art Salon will run until 11th January 2025. The organising committees sincerely invite art enthusiasts to experience the unique fusion of New Zealand art and the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. Let this celebration of art inspire and connect all.