Entries open for Fakes and Forgeries event in Mangaweka

Karl Sim (CF Goldie) - the inspiration for the Fakes and Forgeries event - surrounded by his paintings. Photo/File

Aspiring artists have been invited to enter the Fakes and Forgeries event in Mangaweka in November.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the first Fakes and Forgeries, which began as a way of recognising New Zealand's best-known art forger Karl Sim, who was born in the Rangitikei town.

Contestants must enter anything but an original artwork - a replica, a copy "with a twist" or a piece inspired by another artist's work.

Organiser Richard Aslett said there was no specific set of criteria for judging.

"We like things that are a little bit quirky...it all depends, really, on what stands out on the day."

Richard Aslett with forger Karl Sim. Photo/Supplied

A schools competition would be part of the event for the second time.

"It's really good for the kids to get involved in art," Mr Aslett said.

The 2015 schools' competition attracted more than 100 entries, a similar number to the adults' category.

Fakes and Forgeries has been held every two years since 2007, when Mr Sim was the guest of honour.

He appeared as prize presenter at the exhibition again in 2011, and was due to attend again in 2013, but died a month prior to the event at the age of 89.

Mr Sim was convicted on 40 counts of forgery in the 1980s, before changing his name to Carl Feodor Goldie, so he could legally sign works as CF Goldie.

Although born in Mangaweka, the forger spent most of his life in Himatangi and Foxton before moving to Orewa, north of Auckland.

Organiser Richard Aslett with 2013 winner Sheila Pearson from Whanganui and her artwork. Photo/Supplied

Previous competition winners included Sheila Pearson of Whanganui, who painted a replica of La Grande Odalisque by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.

Mr Aslett said this prize was awarded largely on "technique" - the way acrylic paint was layered on the canvas to mimic oil paint.

Entries close on October 30, with the exhibition beginning on November 4 at the Yellow Church Gallery in Mangaweka.

Entries are not limited to paintings - the most unusual entry was two replica Lancia cars in 2015.

A market, Irene's Christmas Fayre, will be held in the village hall at the same time as the exhibition.

Previous runner-up Mooona Lisa. Photo/Supplied

Prizes include art materials and more than $500 in cash.

Entry is open to people from throughout the country and the world - previous entries have come from as far away as Australia and the United Kingdom.