Claire Elliot

Claire's art is firmly rooted in Mercury Bay. She began painting at Mercury Bay Area School and joined the Whitianga Art Group in her early 20s, exhibiting regularly with the art group for the past 16 years and at local galleries, Claire has recently shown work during the Mercury Bay Art Escape at Michael Smither's Otama Studio.

Following graduation from The Learning Connection in Wellington in 2006 with a Honours Diploma of Art and Creativity, Claire was commissioned by the Mercury Bay Community Board to design the welcome banners for Whitianga Township, usually the domain of graphic designers it was certainly recognition of Claire's work and her imagery, which is now becoming quite iconic.

Claire's past achievements include many sales and commissions to local and offshore collectors, solo exhibitions, being a finalist three times for the Telecom Art award, and an invitation from 'Soka Gakkai International of New Zealand' to exhibit in the 'State of the Heart' exhibition at the Aotea Centre, Auckland.

EDUCATION
2006 - Honours Diploma of Art & Creativity, The Learning Connection in Wellington

AWARDS
Highly commended entry - Telecom Art Award
Emerging Artist Award, for 'Silver Swell' at the Taste of the Tour Exhibition, Mercury Bay Art Escape. Painting Chosen by James Wallace