Young artists shine on night

Premier Award winner by Michael Barker of Te Aroha, Invictus, oil. Open Awards

A judge has highlighted the talent of young artists entering the Waimarino Art Awards, saying "their work blew me away."

Judge Sandra Webb of Cambridge's Heritage Gallery said it was standing room only Tuesday night at the preview of the 13th annual Waimarino Arts Awards at the Royal Theatre, Raetihi.

Ms Webb said with 220 entries and only Tuesday afternoon to decide, it was "a very tough exercise.

"The Waimarino Awards have really gained in strength and talent from commercial artist's work to rank amateurs, she said.

"It's becoming quite prestigious and is not just a little volunteer exhibition any longer. It's putting Raetihi on map in the art world. I'm proud to be involved."

But it was the junior arts section that shone, she said.
"The young talent was just extraordinary.

"Obviously these students worked on their entries at school and their work blew me away."

Award Winners:

Premier Award Sponsored by Winstone Pulp International Ltd - Michael Barker of Te Aroha - Invictus, Oil

Open Awards

Don Hill of Wanganui -Cattle on River Road, Oil - Open Award for Oils sponsored by Manson Estate

The River by Tracy Mather

Tracy Mather of New Plymouth, The River, Mixed Media - The Barnes Open Award sponsored by the Ohakune Art Awards

Sally Ann Davis of Taupo - Tongariro Rhythm, Woodblock Print - The Open Award sponsored by Ruapheu Alpine Lifts

Timoti Pekamu of Taihape - Spotlight Fleece

Life Study Award

Timoti Pekamu of Taihape - Spotlight Fleece, Mixed Media - The Life Study Award sponsored by Manson Estate and Raetihi & Ohakune Rotary

Mohi Williams of Ruapehu College - Freedom

Young Artist Award

Mohi Williams of Ruapehu College - Freedom, Pencil Drawing - The Young Artist Award sponsored by Brian and Loretta Eades

Novice Award

Lindy Campbell of Pahiatua - Sunflowers and Pumpkins, Acrylic - The Novice Award sponsored by Raetihi Country Market and Balance Chartered Accountants.

Mackenzie Charlton age 13 of Horopito - Art Has Engulfed Me

Junior Artist Award

Mackenzie Charlton age 13 of Horopito - Art Has Engulfed Me - Ink on Paper - The Junior Artist Award sponsored by the Teachers of Ohakune Primary School

Freddy Carter age 8 of Ohakune - Yu-Gi - Coloured Pencil on paper - Junior Artist Award sponsored by The Teachers of Ohakune Primary School

Kanahi Te Riaki age 5 of Ohakune - Fairy Girl -acrylic on canvas - Junior Artist Award sponsored by The Teachers of Ohakune Primary School

Shaniquia Bellamy aged 10 of Raetihi Primary School - Coloured Landscape - Acrylic on paper - Junior Artist sponsored by the Teachers of Ohakune Primary School

Photography

Anne Paul of Wanganui, 2 Stroke Tui

General Photography Award - 'True Blue Kiwi' Section - Anne Paul of Wanganui, 2 Stroke Tui - Winner of Award Sponsored by Penguins of Ohakune and Raethi & Ohakune Rotary

Jason Retter of Taihape - The Road to Mount Doom

General Photography Award -'Seasonal Colours' Section- Jason Retter of Taihape - The Road to Mount Doom. Winner of Award sponsored by generous individual sponsors of Raetihi and Ohakune.

Young Photographer Award for ages 18 and under - James Gowland-Douglas of Ohakune- Ghost Flamingo. Winner of Award sponsored by Sarah Leonie Photography, the Rowe Family and generous Raetihi and Ohakune Sponsors.