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

The Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise's Treasured Art Exhibition and Auction returns to Tauranga on May 18-20.

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

The fundraiser, run by the club since 2012, has raised more $325,000 so far 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 or afterwards.”

Artist Timo Rannali will have his stunning artwork in the Treasured Art Exhibition and Auction. Photo: Brydie Thompson.

Pieces of art – including some well-known artists such as Anita Blanchett and Arthur Dagley – will be on sale from May 18-20, 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 five to 12. It teaches values such as integrity and respect, helps build resilience and delivers fun-filled learning to schools all around the country.

Well-known artists to feature over the years include consistent donor Anna Blanchett from Queenstown.

'Her work is exquisite and very sought-after.”

Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise member Pat Taylor with an art piece from a previous Treasured Art auction. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Other regulars are Peter Wallers, Rob McGregor, Yana Meech and Lynne Brown.

The 2023 event is being held at Tauranga Yacht Club. Artists who've 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 charity and 60 per cent for their work.

'This year we've 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 a copper wall piece along with a wood and pounamu greenstone sculpture by past WBOP Mayor Garry Webber.”

The three day exhibition of especially selected high quality artworks will be followed by a semi formal auction of around 15 pieces. An online auction will also be available for a separate selection.

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

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

The exhibition runs from 10am-6pm Thursday, May 18; 10am-4pm Friday, May 19; and 10am-12noon Saturday, May 20.

At the auction, there will be bubbles and finger food provided.Akash Dutta will work his magic on the keyboard with jazz pieces in the background, A cash bar will be available.

The auction, by ticket entry, is 6pm-9pm Friday, May 19. Book tickets at: https://treasuredart-on-the-harbour.eventbrite.co.nz

For event details, see: www.treasuredart.co.nz

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