As Richmond Road School's love affair with art continues to grow, so does its community of talented artists.

The Ponsonby school's annual fundraising event, Art with Love - The 5th Flirtation, will be well-represented with works donated for auction by Karl Maughan, John Reynolds, Clinton Phillips, Dave Hood, Robyn Walton, Catherine Carter, Sam Miller-Walters and Richard Adams.

Although Mr Adams is a new parent to the school, he has been painting professionally for almost 30 years and has exhibited both nationally and overseas.

He is also the front man for jazz ensemble The Nairobi Trio.

Mr Adams says his six-year-old son Jasper, who has grown up around his work, helped choose his piece titled The Pass for the auction.

The painting was inspired by the pair's time watching the freight trains go through Arthur's Pass National Park in the South Island.

It depicts the dusty tarpaulins that cover the carriages.

Jasper says he picked the painting because he went to Arthur's Pass and he liked the blue and red colours.

Principal Stephanie Anich says the auction provides a unique opportunity to purchase works by leading artists at exceptional prices while also raising much-needed funds for the school.

"We have to raise $100,000 every year just to keep the school running.

"All the proceeds will be used to support our children's learning and fostering their interest in the arts."

Ms Anich says the selection of 40 paintings, photographs, and sculptures will be on display at the school from 6.30pm today as well as Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

The art will go under the hammer at the school on Tuesday at 7pm.

For more information visit www.arwithlove.org or phone Angela Tui Samoa on 940-4796.

Auckland City Harbour News - Carly Tawhiao - 6/11/09