“I’m a non-stereotypical chartered accountant who likes being a little bit different.”
Meet Anne Stephenson — NZ Art Show Chair, long-time supporter, and art lover who has been part of the show since the very beginning. What started as a volunteer role as the honorary auditor (“and I hate auditing!”) quickly grew into deeper involvement — first as a trustee, and now as the Chair guiding the show into its next chapter.
Anne loves to surround herself with beautiful things — a collector whose curiosity has led her to discover emerging talent long before the rest of the country catches on.
“Every year there’s new talent showing — around 25% of the artists are new. The quality just keeps rising.”
Her first purchase from the show was an Anna Stitchbury artwork during the very first NZ Art Show — a moment she remembers well:
She paid by EFTPOS… and the transaction never went through.
She laughs:
“I was very nearly the first bad debtor!”
And like every seasoned collector, she has a few regrets:
“Toby Raine showed once. I kept my purse shut that year — then he got snapped up by Gow Langsford and never came back. I’m still cross with myself.”
Anne has a special place in her heart for pieces that hold history, craft and character — like a Debbie Pointon doll/box sculpture, or cast-glass birds in a bird cage by Crystal Chain Gang, guaranteed to spark a conversation. And among her favourites is Min Kim’s Hagley Park, painted during a pivotal transition in the artist’s practice.
“It’s wonderful seeing emerging artists light up when they make a sale — knowing someone values their work enough to take it home.”
Her advice for newcomers and art collectors alike?
“If something really speaks to you, buy it.
It will bring you pleasure for the rest of your life.”
Her favourite part of show week is the much-anticipated VIP Preview — a quiet moment to discover, fall in love, and buy… before the crowds arrive. Then comes the VIP night: buzzing, social, filled with energy and celebration.
But for Anne, the magic isn’t only in the art — it’s in the people.Fresh. Energetic. Varied.
That’s how Anne describes the NZ Art Show —
and after two decades, the excitement is still the same.
