Connoisseurs of the creative arts are invited to attend the inaugural Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Mint Graduate Exhibition tonight.

The exhibition, which showcases the talents of graduating Bachelor of Creative Industries students, is on at pop-up exhibition space ‘The Project Room' in Tauranga's Red Square from 5pm-7pm.

Mint will feature everything from screen printing, graphic design installations, moving image, zines, photography, fashion plus much more.

Graphic Design student Hannah Wynn, who developed the ‘look' for the exhibition and accompanying catalogue, says Mint is a chance for students to show off their work and reflect on their last three years of study.

'Many of us already have jobs in the creative sector, which is extremely exciting. The degree has allowed us to fully immerse ourselves into the local and national creative community which has opened up so many doors.”

Using thousands of tiny paper dots Bachelor of Creative Industries' Bonaventure Bourne has created two large scale detailed self-portraits which will be on display during the Mint Graduate Exhibition. Supplied Photo.

Toi Ohomai Culture, Design and Humanities group leader Mary Stewart believes the third year students have produced work of outstanding scope and calibre.

She says Mint delivers the future of art and design, where contemporary fashion pieces, seemingly more at home on the catwalks of Paris and London than the streets of Tauranga, sit alongside edgy and raw graphic art pieces. Eco-designers rub shoulders with documentary styled photographers – some pieces shocking, some playful and all evoking strong emotion.

'Having worked closely with industry partners over the last three years has meant our graduating students have received critical feedback on their work and ideas allowing them to develop their art practices, as well as bringing them into the network of creative industries.”

The Mint Graduate Exhibition opens at the Project Room in Tauranga's Red Square tonight, from 5pm–7pm. A sold-out fashion show taking place at the Tauranga Art Gallery on Friday night will also be live-streamed to the Cornerstone on the Strand from 7pm.

Members of the public are also welcome to view the exhibition which will also be open from 10am – 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, November 19-20.

A showcase of work and profiles of the graduates can be viewed online Bachelor of Creative Industries' Natalie Rood looks to historical events and issues to fuel her designs. Supplied Photo.