The annual Riversdale Art Mixed Media Exhibition is back for 2019 and will showcase some of the most spectacular art ever seen in the town.

It is the 46th year the exhibition has been held, with close to 80 mixed media artists from across New Zealand providing pieces for the 10-day event in July at the Riversdale Arts building.

The exhibition will showcase a variety of mediums including sculpture, photography, pottery, paintings and textiles.

Riversdale Arts Administrator Jann Robertson said she was excited to once again see a diverse range of art on display.

"We enjoy being able to showcase artists from throughout New Zealand with artworks displayed in the heart of Northern Southland."

She said they were particularly excited for their guest artist Ben Foster from Kaikoura who would display his unique sculptures that showcase a mix of "native wildlife and natural geometrics of the mountainous landscape".

"Foster’s elegant, geometric forms balance between realism and design. With both animal and human forms alike, Foster pairs back natural forms to focus on line, symmetry and scale juxtaposing the natural and man-made in his sculptural works."

A variety of art classes will also be held during the exhibition, with workshops including stump-work embroidery, upholstery, Maori weaving and watercolour drawing happening across the 10 days. 

The annual Emerging Artists Award will also be handed, with entries open to Southland based artists aged between 13 and 25.

A gala opening night kicks off the exhibition on July 19, with the exhibition then open daily between 11am and 5pm through to July 28. 

More information can be found via www.riversdalearts.co.nz

Ben Foster's 'Bear and Ballerina' sculpture which will be on display during his guest artist stint at the 2019 Riversdale Art Mixed Media Exhibition in July. PHOTO: Supplied