An inaugural Papamoa Kindergarten fundraiser tomorrow is set to boost their kitty while giving some 'much-needed” exposure to a selection of the Bay's best artists.

The Beachside Art Auction, the kindergarten's major fundraising initiative for 2013, is at Te Akau Ki Papamoa School hall from 6.30pm.

Auction organiser Hayley Wain.

Tauranga art blogger Pete Morris says the event is 'very well planned” and will be another boost for art in the Bay of Plenty – as well as being a successful fundraiser.

'The event celebrates many of our best artists and will give them and their work much needed exposure.”

Artworks from more than 30 well-known artists, including big names such as Owen Dippie, Peter Cramond, Doreen McNeill, Bob Tulloch, Ken Wright, Paula Knight, Richard Smith, Constanza Briceno, Heidi Borchardt, Glenda Jarrett and more, will go under the hammer.

'Imaginative works by Timo Ranalli, Becky Popham, Lisa Christiansen and Joyce Van der Lely will add variety and even more interest to the auction,” says Pete.

He believes the event has been gathering attention city-wide from artists and art collectors in recent weeks.

'It's being organised by an enthusiastic team of parents and many well-known local artists are giving it their full support.”

Respected and sought-after Tauranga artist Doreen McNeill's ‘Reach For The Sky', an abstract landscape painting,is up for auction tomorrow night.

Organiser Hayley Wain hopes to raise $15,000 from the auction.

'Fundraising is very important to our kindergarten as this, plus any grants we manage to get, pay for running costs. If we didn't raise money, we wouldn't have kindergarten.”

Artists set their reserve, which they retain, and anything bid over and above is a donation to the kindergarten.

'Some artworks are being fully donated so there will be some very low reserves. We have some really popular artist names so hopefully they're names alone will attract interest,” says Hayley.

A live jazz band will entertain guests as they view the art from 6.30pm, with the live auction beginning at 8pm.

Joyce Van der Lely's beautiful ‘My Water Serpents' is being auctioned at the event.

Tickets are $10 at the door for the 18+ event, with a glass of bubbles given on arrival at the Te Akau Ki Papamoa School hall.

Bel and Brendon from More FM will kick-start the night, followed by Eves and Bayleys' auctioneer Blair Cashmore taking over the bidding process.

Email: beachsideartauction@gmail.com for more information or preview the art at: www.facebook.com/BeachsideArtAuction