The Robert Harris Inspiration Collection

Robert Harris has transformed part of Auckland's most famous street into a street-level, outdoor gallery. Its free, open 24-7 and brings some inspirational works of art into the heart of Auckland City.

Ten New Zealand artisits including Martin Popplewell, Dean Tercel, Hayley King and Mary Louise Browne have been commissioned by Robert Harris to transform the humble napkin into pieces of art.

Robet Harris, Group Brand Manager, Justine Powell says, "We decided to commission these artist and display the artwork in this unique form as a way for making peoples' day a little more inspirational."

"Downtown Auckland is a busy area and we wanted to offer the public the opportunity to enjoy some inspirational artworking during their coffee break, daily commute, or on the weekends."

The Robert Harris street-level gallery will be up from August 16 - September 14 located on lower Queen St (outside Britomart) and along Customs St East.

The exhibition can be viewed by taking a walking tour of the 15 bus shelters on both sides of the bottom of Queen St and along Customs Street East. Passers-by will be able to enjoy and admire the likes of Browne's transmutations, Popplewell's extravagant brushwork and McKinnons haunting landscapes.

The works of art will be auctioned off to the public at the end of the year. All proceeds will go to the Robert Harris Inspiration scholarship, which is being set up to support aspiring new artists.

Powell adds, "The humble napkin is central to the new campaigns as a tool for capturing peoples' inspirations such as drawing, sketches, phrases or messages as they enjoy their cup of coffee. Commissioning artists to use the napkin in their artwork was the perfect continuation and progression of the napkin's journey to bring peoples inspiration to life. We believe that every break should be inspirational and working with these talented artists to provide the public with works of art they can enjoy throughout their day has been very rewarding."

Featured artists include: Martin Popplewell, Dean Tercel, Kirsty Gorman, Gavin Hurley, Esther Leigh, Jonathan Baxter, Toni McKinnon, Hayley King, Mary Louise Browne and Josh Paki.

For further information about the gallery exhibition and the artists involved log onto www.robertharris.co.nz