The Mount Art Group’s annual exhibition is coming up – and this one is not to be missed!

Not only is the group showing more than 200 artworks – including acrylic, water colour, oil, pastel, pencil and mixed media pieces – it will also host a student art display and is celebrating 50 years of existence.

Spokesperson Rosslyn McSweeney says Mount Art Group’s Annual Art Sale & Exhibition – and its 50th year celebrations – will take over Mount College’s hall for three days from April 13-15.

“Alongside the 200-plus artworks there will be a section reserved to display the art from Mount College’s senior art students.

“Entry to the event is a gold coin donation – making it an affordable exhibition to all – and the sale is will be ‘Cash ‘n’ Carry’.

This means you can pay then take away the art you have chosen immediately.”

Rosslyn says the only thing about the event that’s changed is the location – with the Mount College Hall the new venue.

“Although the venue has changed, the quality and variety of the work is up to its normal high standard.”

And the exhibition doubles as a celebration of 50 years of the group’s existence.

“As an art group we had humble beginnings in a garage under the guidance of tutor Toni Quinlan,” says Rosslyn.

“As the group developed she put forward an idea to form a club, which they did – the first session being held at the local football club hall May 2, 1974 – with the name ‘Mount Creative Painters Group’.

"So they had taken a big step forward into the developing art scene in the Tauranga area.”

From small beginnings, the group now boasts 36 members who come from all over the region including overseas.

“We are now The Mount Art Group and cater for all stages of development in our art journey.

"Members enjoy a vibrant friendly environment to nurture their artistic capabilities."

“And so we welcome you to come along, see artists at work and enjoy our latest exhibition and art sale this month.”

The Mount Art Group’s Annual Art Sale & Exhibition is at The Mount College Hall, 565 Maunganui Rd, from 9am-5pm Saturday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14; and 9am-4pm on Monday, April 15.

Entry is a gold coin donation.