Almost an Island 2026
Welcome to the Otago Peninsula- where our artists draw inspiration and come together to celebrate the community and land that is "Almost an Island". This annual Exhibition has been running for over 20 years and wouldn't be possible without the support of our community, artists and sponsors. See the highlights from this year's exhibition below.
Meet our judge
Robert Piggott is an established Contemporary-Abstract painter and printmaker, in Dunedin, New Zealand.
With over 40 solo shows and participation in numerous group exhibitions throughout New Zealand, he has also exhibited internationally.
He was awarded a Master of Fine Arts Degree with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in 2000.
Alongside a committed studio practice, Robert has been a teacher/educator for 35 years, and a lecturer in Art at the Dunedin College of Education. He retired as a Special Needs teacher at Kaikorai Valley College in 2020.
Robert opened his own gallery, the ROBERT PIGGOTT ART GALLERY in Dunedin’s Jetty Street; - mentoring, supporting and exhibiting local emergent artists from 2016 - 2023.
Articles on Piggott’s art have been published in the New Zealand literary magazine TAKAHE, and the internationally distributed ASIAN ART NEWS.
First Prize- Jenny Longstaff
"Coastal"
Judges' Comments:
"This small painting radiates a positive jewel-like glow. In its quiet design, it encapsulates warm memories (for both adults and children alike) of beautiful timeless days beside coastal waters and harbour-side.
The artist, Jenny, has unified strong abstract composition, with motif symbology to convey representational reality and visual enjoyment through the use of gorgeous colour dynamics.
Like a divine stained-glass window in a church, this little painting is an illuminating portal to the sacred in the local natural environment and will brighten any interior space or home."
This prize kindly sponsored by Mitre 10 Dunedin
Second Prize- Pauline Bellamy
"Hoopers Inlet"
Judges' Comments:
"A strong sense of time and place is created through Pauline's direct and understated brushwork.
It expressively shares the experience and a feeling of 'Being there'.
The use of colour is muted and natural.
Focus is played between rider (with accompanying pony) in the shallows of Hoopers Inlet. As viewers we are drawn in to absorb this shared moment of surrounding stillness in the shallows of Hoopers Inlet.
It triggers special memories for me- when as a lad I used to accompany my sister to ride and exercise her horse on Tomahawk and Smail's beaches."
This prize kindly sponsored by Larnach Castle
Third Prize- Robert Brown
"Drifting #1"
Judges' Comments:
"I love this sense of serious playful fine craftmanship, coupled with imaginative repurposing of found and throw-away items to make ingenious fantasy toys or sculptures. As a child I made my own models and toys out of the "bits and pieces" boxes that my mother saved for me. Bottle tops, toilet rolls, cereal boxes and bits of wood all were used imaginatively. Playthings were made, not bought. Robert Brown has imaginatively created delightful and whimsical vehicles, a play-world of sea and air travel. Creative and constructive to fine details, these vessels can take us on a momentary journey to a different world."
This prize kindly sponsored by Port to Port
Jane Higham Memorial Prize
It gives us great pleasure to announce the winner of this award:
Wen Li Ma for ‘Larnach Castle’, a beautiful expressive watercolour of another Peninsula treasure.
Jane Higham was the much-loved Treasurer for OPenArts for many years. While Jane didn’t make art for our exhibitions, she was a super-organised, hardworking committed volunteer, not only for OPenArts, but for many organisations in Dunedin. Jane’s generous and warm nature ensured people felt welcome in any group. The world needs more Jane Higham's!
We are so grateful that Jane remains an important part of OPenArts through this award, that bears her name. Jane’s husband, Richard and daughter, Polly visited the exhibition on Tuesday to make their selection. It was no easy task, but Richard settled on something he felt Jane would have loved. We think Richard looks pretty chuffed with his choice!
Highly Commended
The following pieces received a Highly Commended Award from our judge and a prize sponsored by The Portobello Hotel
Lorna Allen
In the Gentle Hour
Judges Comment:
"Harbour view, into a dream-like paradise"
Sarah Cunningham
Three Wise Men
Judges Comment:
"Meaningful portraiture. Recognition and celebration of human beings."
Doug Hart
"Sealebrities"
Judges Comment:
"Quirky, clever, fun and rendered with accomplishment. Like a children's comic book"
Special Mentions
The following pieces received a special mention from our judge:
Roger Weston "Life"
Judges' comments:
"Strong composition- holds together. Dynamic and juxtaposed"
Rosie McLean "Sea Tulips"
Judges' Comments:
"'Floral aquarium'- as an artifact. Care, craftmanship, choice of, and presentation of subject"
Michelle Dalwood- Seasons 1
Judges' Comments:
"Unashamed freedom and simplicity, playful, delightful, childlike way and innocence"
Manu Berry- Set of woodcuts
Judges' comments:
"A revelation of elements required for vineyard winemaking. Simplicity of design, meditative, thoughtful, superb printmaking. Less is more."
Wen Li Ma "Otago Harbour"
Judges' Comments:
"Abstract/impressionism, spontaneity in mark making."
Janet Smith "Esplanade"
Judges' Comments:
"Summer daydream"
Sponsors and Supporters
The OpenArts Inc would like to thank the following for sponsoring prizes for our exhibition:
Mitre 10 Mega Dunedin
Larnach Castle
Port to Port
Portobello Hotel & Bistro
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