A new exhibition by local artist, John Roy, was celebrated by Friends of the Tauranga Art Gallery members at an exclusive Friends event last night.

The exhibition is a collection of the award-winning ceramicist's work spanning the last 25 years.

Located in the building's former bank vault, John Roy's exhibition is a treasure chest of his ceramic works that are "more than meets the eye" says Friends of the Tauranga Art Gallery committee member Samantha Wilkie.

"While visiting the Tauranga Art Gallery you'll also find an installation by Julia Morison, titled 'Head[case]' that features 100 ceramic heads," says Samantha. "Morison is considered one of New Zealand's most inventive artists and the exhibition is described as ‘playfully surreal'.

On entering the gallery, visitors will first discover an exhibition by JK Russ, 'Hard Sell Future', which features collage fantasy environments and hybrid creatures.

"Upstairs you'll find two other exhibitions; one by Matthew Couper titled 'Isolation Paintings'. The other a rare glimpse of the art from the Tauranga Art Gallery and Civic Art Collections," says Samantha.

"On display is a selection of taonga from these two art collections which have been generously gifted by donors and leading contemporary artists."

John Roy's exhibition, 'Fool's Gold', which runs until March 14 2021, is sponsored by the Friends of the Tauranga Art Gallery. The group's membership supports the Gallery with sponsorship of exhibitions, their education programme and the group enjoys social occasions, artist talks and ‘behind the scenes' events.

The Friends of the Tauranga Art Gallery membership is open to everyone and membership starts at only $15. For more information visit artgallery.org.nz/friends-of-the-gallery.