An art exhibition that just keeps on breaking sales records clearly has what it takes to count among the country’s most prestigious outdoor art-selling exhibitions.

At issues is Nashua Art in the Park that celebrates its 47th anniversary in 2009 in Alexandra Park, a picturesque venue on the banks of the Umsunduzi River in Pietermaritzburg, under a grove of plane trees that obligingly sheds its leaves for a splendorous autumnal show.

Like previous editions, the 2009 exhibition will feature a rich tapestry of mediums, ranging from painting in all mediums, photography, sculptures, ceramics, glassworks and even paintings in sand.

A stringent selection policy and a focus on quality art help to define the success of Nashua Art in the Park. A developmental component introduce in 2002 to help breathe new life into the event staged for the first time in 1962 is reaping its own rewards with a number of emerging artists graduating into fully-fledged exhibitors in their own right.

Such is the event’s drawing power that artists from across the country are clamouring to be considered for inclusion, but growing popularity has meant the selection panel has had to turn away over 60 artists in 2008.

As is the norm, the top 20 sellers in 2008 automatically win selection to next year’s event. Topping the list is kobus Kotze, followed by mat Louwrens, Simon Addy and Lyn Hoyle, Ingrid and Leon Foche , and Kelly Higgs.

As a measure of the dynamic nature of the event, four new artists made it into the top 20 list – Kim Hofmeyer; Josiah Gitau; Judy Wentzel and Tony Durrheim.

Much as the quality of work on display is a near irresistible drawcard, the event’s magical ambience too plays a role in making Nashua Art in the Park a must on the national exhibition circuit.

In this respect, the founding values of Nashua Art in the Park are very much intact. The bonhomie  of evening fires, and the warm glow of sherry, not to mention the excellent catering and an inventive have made Nashua Art in Park a truly landmark event.