Kaipara Art Awards entries about to close

 

Time is running out for artists wanting to enter the 2019 Kaipara Art Awards. Entries close on Friday September 20, with works to be submitted in October.

This year the range of categories has been broadened and an Emerging Artist award, sponsored by Creative Northland, will be awarded for the first time. The 2019 award categories are: Painting (all paint media), Mixed media (including drawing collage, fabric art), Print media (including printmaking, photography and digital) and 3D & sculpture (including jewellery). 

Long-time supporters Mangawhai Optometrists and Westmoreland Homes are joined by The French Art Shop and Gordon Harris – The Art & Graphic Store, as sponsors of prizes in the four categories. 

Highly respected artist and former University of Auckland Professor of Fine Arts, Dr Carole Shepheard ONZM, will judge the awards on Thursday October 17. The public will select the People’s Choice award to be announced following exhibitions of the entries in Mangawhai and Dargaville.

In accepting the role of judge, Dr Shepheard explained: “I like to see what small communities are doing within the arts and to experience the creative spirit I know exists outside the big cities. There is always something exceptional to discover, someone whose work is of a very high standard and entries that show the breadth and diversity that exists among us all.”
She also indicated what she looks for when judging. 

“I like to see if I can find a connection with the work, and what the artist wants the audience to see and experience. I am aware that nothing is ever totally original but I try to look for authenticity and the artist’s ability to tell a story, make a statement, address an issue or relate to a particular style or type of work. Skill is always important but I don't privilege that alone.”

The Kaipara community is invited to view (and buy, if for sale) art entered into the Awards at exhibitions at Mangawhai Artists Gallery from October 18-29 and at the Muddy Waters Gallery, Dargaville from November 2-26.

 Kaipara Art Awards entry forms are available from kaiparaartawards@gmail.com, mangawhaiartists.co.nz or dargavillearts.co.nz

Dr Carole Shepheard ONZM will judge the 2019 KaiparaArt Awards.