CAN received a record 174 entries to the competition, which were sent to our selector Tyson Campbell to view digitally, with no names attached.
The beauty of a 'blind selection' is that the artwork is judged on its merit only.
The selector may use their own subjective judgement, and is not swayed by knowing who the artist is.
We have been thrilled to know that some of the artists selected are young and emerging and this is their first experience of being selected to exhibit.
One such artist is Max Crossan who, at just 20 years old, is currently studying for his Bachelor of Creative Practice at Ideaschool, EIT.
He arrived with his piece at the same time as practicing artist Robyn Fleet. Robyn has been painting ever since graduating with a Bachelor of Art and Design about seven years ago.
Events such as the art review are vital for building our art communities, and encouraging our regional artists to connect.
At the gala opening last Friday, officially opened by Deputy Mayor Annette Brosnan, Tyson was proud to announce the winners of the Gordon Harris/Team Coldicutt Premier Award of $2000 plus six highly commended awards to the value of $200 each.
The premier award was awarded to Russell Mayne for his landscape painting 'Kaimanawa' followed by the highly commended awards.
The Edges Art + Framing Award went to Mark Simpson for 'Hauaru Kite Rawhiti', the Humanity Books and Fine Arts Award to Judith Milner for 'Pit Stop', the Boyd Dunlop Gallery Award to Helen Kerridge for 'Nigel Looks Up', the Hawke's Bay Inkers Award to Patrick Tyman for 'Sunflowers', the Bay Canon Award to Jani Dixon for 'In the Garden' and the Blue Wall Award to Max Crossan for 'Dystopian Landscapes No.6'.
Congratulations to Russell Mayne and the six highly commended award winners.
It was such an amazing moment for each winning artist and the sponsors who presented their prizes.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our supporters who made this event possible. In addition to the award sponsors we would like to thank Rothbury Insurance, Scenic Circle Hotel Te Pania, Crab Farm Winery, Pub Charity Ltd, and Liberty Fowler for their generosity in providing the means to stage the competition, private opening event, selector's floor talk and resulting exhibition.
In addition a huge thank you to our esteemed selector Tyson Campbell for all of his hard work, and to Deputy Mayor Annette Brosnan for attending and opening the exhibition.
Make sure you plan a visit to view this incredible exhibition, and if you love a piece, support the artist who made it with a purchase.
There is something in this diverse collection to suit every budget.
After all that excitement, it's tough to think that the beautiful work that currently fills our galleries will be gone in just over two weeks, to make way for the CAN Christmas Makers Market.
However, save the date for our much anticipated Christmas Market Preview Night on Friday, December 10, from 5-7pm. Enjoy light refreshments and be one of the first to browse the stalls stacked high with quality goodies.
Tick everyone off your Christmas list in one hit, meet your friends and indulge in some pre-Christmas retail therapy.
Locally made art is not stuck in containers on the ocean, it's right here at CAN. Just a reminder to scan in, socially distance and wear a mask while you're here and we hope to see you soon.
• We look forward to welcoming you to CAN, 16 Byron St, on your next visit. Ask us about the benefits of becoming a Friend of CAN, and don't forget we are open seven days per week from Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm and Sunday, 10am-2pm.. As CAN is a registered charity, donations are always welcome. Info: 835-9448, thecan.co.nz or Facebook.
