Te Hikoi Museum's second annual Art Challenge exhibition, featuring double the number of entries it received to last year, opened in Riverton on Saturday (31 Aug).

(L-R) SDC Mayor Rob Scott, Deputy Mayor Christine Menzies, Cr Julie Keast (Creative Communities funder) and Te Hikoi manager Karyn Owen at the opening of the 2024 art exhibition. Photo: Supplied

42 artists of all levels, including one from Australia and one from New Zealand's far north, are exhibiting this year.

Each artist's creation has been inspired from one of Te Hikoi's 7000 resident artefacts. Artists were also given specific cultural advice by Te Hikoi on their chosen artifact before commencing work.

This year's entries include carving, ceramics, textiles, creative writing, paintings and even a puppet.

Te Hikoi manager Karyn Owen said the exhibition creates the intrigue you get when you find an unexpected historic treasure in an old garage, and the awe you get when seeing an artist’s creation and their explanation of what inspired it.

"Times that feeling by 42 and that is what visitors will get to experience by coming to see the exhibition,” Owen said.

Visitors to the exhibition will also be able to vote for the people’s choice award – the winner is to receive a $500 art supplies voucher from Art Supplies Southland.

This event is now looking like becoming an annual fixture in Te Hikoi’s public program.

Artist Sally Edgerton with her painting inspired by Riverton's 150-year celebration badge. Photo: Supplied

“We think this challenge and exhibition has great potential to expand even further next year, and welcome anyone looking at sponsorship opportunities to get in touch to discuss further," Owen said.

This years exhibition runs until the 31st October, $3 admission fee or included in usual full museum entry fee (children free).