This weekend Whitianga is the place to be for all art aficionados. 

Over 500 artworks are on display at the Whitianga Lions annual Art Expo in the Whitianga Town Hall this weekend which extends into Monday.

Organisers say the expo is a fundraiser to buy a much-needed 3-D mammogram machine for the eastern side of the Coromandel, which will cost $350,000 to purchase.

Members of Whitianga Lions helped 50 local artists set up on Friday, May 31, with the entire expo free to the public to attend.

The three-day expo officially opened with a preview evening on Friday, where the winners in the Secondary Schools Art Competition were also announced.

More than 25 entries from around the Coromandel region have entered the school art competition with a total of $850 in prizes being awarded between first, second and third placings.

All the entries are on display and many are available for purchase, meaning the public has a chance to support emerging talent.

Whitianga Lions Art Expo committee, Mike Brown says on opening night the public were able to purchase and take home artworks of their choice.

"And generally mingle and chat with artists over a glass of wine sponsored by a private donation and Whitianga Woolworths, complemented by delicious European cheeses sponsored by YOLO Cheese New Zealand," says Mike.

“We have had a tremendous response to this year’s Art Expo and we hope to see lots of people coming to this event, which is raising money for Project Mammogram.

"While there, don’t forget to buy a few raffle tickets, there’s some great prizes to be won with an overall value in the thousands of dollars!”

Following opening night, the Whitianga Lions Art Expo is running from 10am to 4pm Saturday, June 1 to Monday, June 3 with many of the artists replenishing their exhibits as items sell.

The artists are offering a range of items, at various prices, from original paintings and prints through to pottery, mosaics, jewellery made from locally sourced components, photography, greeting cards and even mini artworks of individual alphabet letters.

The variety will give art lovers a chance to take home something memorable from this region.

The Whitianga Lions Art Expo is supported by The Informer, CFM, All About Whitianga, Stephenson’s Pharmacy, Whitianga Woolworths, Peninsula Roofing and Peninsula Scaffolding, YOLO Cheeses New Zealand and of course all the artists taking part.