Christchurch people excited at the prospect of their new Art Gallery (which will open in 2003) will be able to contribute to the last stage of the fundraising campaign and in some ways the most important. Educational equipment needed for up to 8000 young people who visit each year and for the general public's enjoyment of lectures in the auditorium and seating in the galleries.

There are a number of ways to contribute, especially over the week before the Robert McDougall closes to the public on 16 June.

The Artists and Art Lovers Cookbook produced by ex-Director John Coley and friends will be on sale at Merivale Mall for three days 12-14 June with tempting samples from one of the recipes.

On the weekend of 15/16 June a Gold Coin Trail will follow the route of the move from the Robert McDougall Art Gallery's main entrance, along Worcester Boulevard to the new Christchurch Art Gallery site. Children will receive a souvenir balloon and the funds will go towards buying equipment for a new Children's Art Programme.

Sushi Plates, decorated by well known New Zealand artists, are on sale at the Gallery Shop until June 16. These have become a very popular way of supporting the fundraising and are investment art suitable for practical art in the home.

The Chair Project promoted by the Friends of the Robert McDougall Art Gallery can be purchased for the new Auditorium and will display a plaque with the donor's name. Clubs, societies as well as individuals can show their support and be remembered for their generosity. A list of other gifts such as audiovisual equipment and DVD players can be obtained from the gallery.

After very successful Art on Campus days at the University of Canterbury in 2000 and 2001 another has been arranged at the Christchurch Polytechnic College of Technology for Saturday 29 June with lunch included in the ticket price.

The Centre of Contemporary Art, which has supported the fundraising effort with Art Auctions in 2000 and 2001 will hold an Antique Roadshow on 30 June. It will be open to the public who can bring in objects of glassware, ceramics, works on paper and other items to be valued by specialists in each field for a small charge.

Information about all these events can be obtained from the Robert McDougall Art Gallery on (03) 941 7968.