Artists from across New Zealand are sending their work to Manawatū to take part in an award that guarantees a place along a popular arts trail.
Expected to attract more than 750 visitors, the 2022 Art Awards by the Feilding Art Society encourages local artists to participate and display their work.
Since 2021, the exhibition has been a stop on Art Trail Manawatū, and everyone entering the awards is guaranteed an ‘on the map’ place along the trail.
Hawke’s Bay resident Jackie Kryzyzewski said it was hugely satisfying to see her work accepted for the prestigious awards.
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“It is always good to see people enjoying your artwork.
“You don’t always win but seeing your work hanging on a wall while people enjoying it is a wonderful feeling.”
Kryzyzewski revived her interest in art during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. Her 14-year-old granddaughter also submitted two entries in the awards.
Not many art awards were open for young people to participate, said Kryzyzewski.
“Feilding Art Society offers a youth category in the awards, which is a fantastic opportunity for the young people. When we saw there was a youth category, my granddaughter was excited to participate.”
Resident Chanel Currie, 17, who was a winner in 2021, said the awards provided an opportunity for everyone.
“It is good to see that there is a section for the youth. You don’t have to be a professional artist to take part in the awards.”
Artists could send in entries for categories including printing (oils and acrylics), painting (watercolour), painting and drawing (all other media), sculpture, photography and the Mazda Foundation Youth Award.
Feilding and District Art Society manager Karis Evans said in 2021 the art awards had a dedicated youth category for the first time.
“We know that young people around New Zealand are incredibly talented and that creativity is important in supporting wellbeing.
“So as well as providing a financial incentive, we hope the Mazda Foundation Youth Award gives young artists a reason to take some time out, set personal goals, try something new and explore their creativity.
“In 2022 we want our young artists to surprise us once again by sending in their best new work. It could be anything from a sculpture to a still life, digital art, or a traditional painting – the category is almost limitless.”
Entries for the youth awards were open to anyone under 21 and cost $5. The entry fee for artists over 21 was $20.
Work would be judged by artists and curators from Whanganui and Wellington, whose identities would remain secret until a prize giving on October 14 at 5pm.
The exhibition will run until November 16 at the Feilding Art Society. Winners will share in prizes worth more than $6500.
To register online visit the exhibition website.
Art Trail Manawatū will be held October 15-16.
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