Some of the country’s most well-known artists will be showing their love for Richmond Road School this week.  In the annual Art With Love fundraiser, donated artworks will be auctioned to raise money for the school.  The art will be on display from today throughout the weekend and sold at the school on Tuesday night.

Professional auctioneers Ben Plumbly and James Parkinson will conduct the auction and buyers will be able to snap up works at good prices with no auctioneers’ fees.  All proceeds will be used to support learning at Richmond Road School.  This year’s lineup includes artists Karl Maughan, John Pule, Otis Frizzell and Chris Knox as well as work from parents and members of the community.

Mr Maughan has two children attending Richmond Road School.  He says Art With Love is a great event to be involved in.  "There is some great work in the show this year," he says.  "You can get a nice work of art, support the school at the same time and get a bargain as well."

The Art With Love fundraiser has been running for the last four years. Previous auctions have raised up to $60,000 for the school.  Over the weekend polling booths will also be set up for the election so people can vote and enjoy the artworks at the same time.  Organiser Angela Tui-Samoa says the fundraiser is crucial for the school.  "The money raised from the auction will enable us to continue funding our classes and promoting the arts with our children," she says.  "We are lucky to have so many passionate and talented New Zealand artists supporting our school and are extremely grateful for their involvement."

Art With Love opens to-night at 6.30pm with public viewing also on Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 4pm.  The auction will be held on Tuesday from 6.30pm.  For information, email rrs.artwithlove@gmail.com.