On 17th May 2025, Mutu (Jayantha) Cooray and his students with the collaboration of BBay Community Artists’ Group hosted their first ever Art exhibition and sale. Mutu has been an arts teacher in the Blockhouse Bay and New Lynn areas in Auckland and on that Saturday, he hosted this event at the Blockhouse Bay Baptist Church. 

The event inaugurated with speeches from Mutu and the invited guests and the presentation of graduation certificates to his students. Sri LankaNZ sub-editor Thulitha Abayawardana was also among the invitees.

Mutu was satisfied with the successful sales of his and his students’ artworks, especially as 10% of it was donated to the Child Cancer Foundation. This occasion also paved the way for more community engagement opportunities for the artists.

Mutu and the team have been invited to exhibit and sell the artworks at Bupa Retirement Village in June and to participate in the upcoming Art Show organised by New Lynn Community Centre scheduled late this year. Mutu is planning to host their next Art Expo on 23rd of August at Kelston Community Centre as a combined effort of BBay and New Lynn Community Artists’ Groups. The artworks of Mutu’s youngest students who are below 12 years will also be exhibited on this occasion.

By Thulitha Abayawardana – Auckland