Friday 10th February saw the side by side exhibitions, The Waikato Watercolourists III and Timeless open to an audience of close to a hundred people. Four pieces of art were bought on the night (see Blog postings), from artists, Sandra Barlow, Rebecca Dowman Ngapo and new to the gallery photographic artist, Stephen Milner.

While Montana Catering delivered their superb experience of cocktails and canopies, the audience listened to a short speech from Nancy Caiger who introduced the new CBD project of a sculpture trail, slated to start in the first few months of 2024, Stephen Milner spoke of his work that aimed to make as manifest as possible, the supreme nature of New Zealand landscapes. Stephen's time at the podium included receiving the Volunteers Choice Award for the breathtaking three meter composition that reveals Ruapehu (see below) girded by an even spread of temperature inversion mist.

Finally, MC for the evening, Clive Gilson who had earlier welcomed those gathered, thanked the Trust Volunteers and all the wonderful artists who have made the Welcome Swallow Gallery a successful vehicle to raise funds for children leading incredibly tough lives. Gilson also noted that this was the 21st/22nd exhibition at the Welcome Swallow Gallery.