It was American postwar and contemporary artist Peter Falk’s idea of heaven.

“…Wake up, have a good breakfast and spend the rest of the day drawing.”

A sentiment probably shared by the 250 members of the Tauranga Society of Artists, regardless of whether they’re drawing or painting. And regardless of whether it’s oil, acrylic, water-colour or pastel, or pencil.

“Whatever the medium, there is someone at the society who is very good at it,” says Robin Purllant, himself an exhibiting artist and committee member of the Art Society, which this weekend is celebrating and showing and sharing.

It’s the Society’s Original Art Expo – a massive body of genres and mediums,  perhaps 700 local works, on display and on sale, at the Tauranga Boys’ College gymnasium through until Sunday. A place, where his weekend, creative minds and healthy bodies converge.

“It’s a very significant event,” says Robin. “The largest exhibition of its kind in the Bay of Plenty, the very best of our work, and something we, as a region, can be very proud of.

“We do have members who have been there for a very long time and their work stands out. And while the overall standard is very good, the people who are the best, are very, very good.”

While “every artist was first an amateur”, Robin detests the word ‘amateur’.

“We have a lot of people who are very keen and very interested in art and come to the society to gain more experience and knowledge. It is just as much a learning society as a social society.”

Thousands are expected to pass through the Expo over the four days, and with an opportunity to experience as well as appreciate. The Expo’s “Art in Action” involves artists demonstrating skills from portrait drawing to painting, and sketching to illustrating, and meeting and chatting with patrons.

“People come along because they find the art approachable and understandable,” says Robin. “You can connect with it.”

Another feature of the Expo is the 2023 Supreme Art Award. Robin is last year’s winner and a candidate again this year. “It’s not just a trivial little competition. It’s now quite prestigious, a major award for the art community in Tauranga.”

And with it can come some financial reward. While the bulk of the sales at the Expo are in the $200 to $400 range, the top end is a lot higher. Robin’s winning Supreme Award entry last year was sold for $2500. “They just said that painting is talking to me and bought it.”

Robin says the society is vibrant and progressive organisation these days.

“It’s even making overtures to the Tauranga Art gallery to have some or work exhibited there.”

A guest exhibitor at the Expo is the Tauranga Floral Group.

The Art Expo is open today until 5pm and tomorrow and Sunday from 9am to 4pm in the Tauranga Boys’ College gymnasium on the corner of  14th Avenue and Devonport Road.