A rare opportunity to buy impressive artworks from some of the western Bay of Plenty's more prominent artists, while also supporting local youth programmes, is coming up this month.

The much anticipated Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise's Treasured Art Exhibition and Auction is returning to Tauranga in May.

Nearly 90 pieces of art will be on show from Thursday May 18 to Saturday May 20 at the Tauranga Yacht Club on Keith Allen Drive.

The notable charity fundraiser has been run by the club since 2012, raising more than $325,000 over the years for charities supporting youth initiatives – primarily the Graeme Dingle Foundation says one of the organisers Kathy Webb.

"This will be the thirteenth event - lucky for some," says Kathy.

"And it always involves almost all of our club members either before the event, during the event or afterwards."

'Cherry Bloom Interior', Oil on canvas, 73cm x 90cm, by Raymond Jennings . Photo: Supplied.

The annual charity auction and exhibition has an interesting beginning.

"It was started originally when we were involved in passing on a collection of Arthur Dagley works to people who would love them and it has gradually moved more towards new art although we are still very keen to rehome pre-loved art," says Kathy.

Nearly 90 pieces of art including some well-known artists such as Anita Blanchett and Arthur Dagley are on sale, with hopes of raising much needed funding for Kiwi Can, a Graeme Dingle Foundation programme that aides youth development programmes in schools.

Kiwi Can is an energy-packed primary school programme, aimed at children aged 5 to 12 years. It teaches values such as integrity and respect, helps build resilience and delivers fun filled learning to schools all around the country.

'My Mum', Oil, 50 x 40 cm by Rebecca Mathews.

"We have featured many well known artists over the years – Anita Blanchett from Queenstown is a consistent donor," says Kathy. "Her work is exquisite and very sought after."

Other regular participants are Peter Wallers, Rob McGregor, Yana Meech, Lynne Brown and many others.

"Last year we collaborated with the Tauranga Art Gallery which gave the event a new feel to it and attracted a different calibre of artists. Many who were very generous and some have been included in this years event."

Kathy is looking forward to the event being held in a new venue for 2023.

"We are very excited to be at the Tauranga Yacht Club this year as it is the perfect venue for an art exhibition."

'Complexity', Acrylic, 30cm x 30cm by Lynn Isherwood.

Artists who have applied to be in the Treasured Art Exhibition and Auction event go through a selection process. They agree to either donate their work 100 per cent or agree to share the proceeds 40 per cent to the charity and 60 per cent for their work.

"This year we have included a couple of photographs that have been enhanced and are particularly beautiful.

"Also some more quirky items such as a copper enhanced surfboard, and another copper wall piece along with a wood and pounamu greenstone sculpture by the past Mayor of Western Bay of Plenty District Council Garry Webber."

Ingham Mora Accountants are the major sponsor of the 2023 Treasured Art Exhibition and Auction.

'They are a socially responsible company and with their support we can put on a great exhibition and evening where people can view art and be ready to bid," says Kathy.

"The exhibition is free for all to enter, but we need to ticket the auction to ensure we keep the numbers under 250."

Exhibition opens Thursday May 18 from 10am – 6pm

Exhibition opens Friday May 19 from 10am – 6pm

Auction by ticket entry Friday May 19 from 6pm – 9pm. Book your ticket here

Exhibition opens Saturday May 20 from 10am – 12noon.

For event details, tickets to the auction and to view the art go to the Treasured Art website: www.treasuredart.co.nz