Otumoetai College students and teachers will showcase their personal artwork in hopes of raising a buck in the College's first art exhibition and auction next week.

The College's art students and staff, some well-known artists, have donated their artwork to be auctioned off at the college's new art block – The Atrium.

Otumoetai College student Peter Derksen with his painting 'Swan Queen'. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Event organiser Jolene Rogerson says the three day exhibition is an opportunity for people to purchase an amazing piece of art with no reserve for an affordable price.

'It is a chance to showcase the student's artwork,” she says.

The feature piece has been painted by the college's top art student Peter Derksen.

Peter, 17, who has been painting since he was 6-years-old, has submitted two artworks including a feature piece – Swan Queen.

Peter spent more than 60 hours completing Swan Queen – a textural acrylic piece.

Eleanor Philbrick-Cruse, Peter Derksen and Jessie Marsh with their artwork.

Next year, Peter hopes to enrol in a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in art history and art restoration at Victoria University in Wellington.

The money raised will be invested back into the art department to further enhance the student's art experience, with plans to purchase a portable kiln or a print press.

Students will receive 50 per cent of the sale price of their pieces, auctioned by teacher - Mike Shadbolt.

The event, featuring only finished artwork ready to be hung is sponsored by Baycom Construction, Abernathy Broatch Law and Office Max.

The exhibition is on September 11 – 13 from 9am to 3pm daily with the auction on Thursday, September 13. Registrations for the auction open from 5pm on the day.

Doors open 6.30pm.