Last call for entries in Raetihi's Waimarino Art Awards

Ray Woodhouse won the premier Waimarino Art Award for his three-dimensional work Light Flight last year. Photo / Supplied

The final call is out for entries in the 2018 Waimarino Art Awards to be held in Raetihi next month.

The awards turn 15 this year and co-ordinator Paula Charlton said two new categories have been introduced to celebrate.

"The Remarkable Ruapehu category has been added as a way to encourage artists to celebrate the Waimarino district," she said.

"Although the awards are open to artists everywhere, we want to see the region well represented in the artwork."

Entries in the category can be 2D paintings, drawings or mixed media depicting a remarkable quality or feature of the region.

The other new category is the Novice 3D award for first-time entrants.

"The aim is to attract entries from young artists although it is open to anyone who has not entered before," Charlton said.

"It can be problematic if we get a lot of large 3D entries and I know they have not been encouraged in the past.

"I don't know if it's stupidity or bloody mindedness on my part but I like to encourage inventiveness."

There are 17 categories in the awards - 10 visual arts categories, five photography categories, and two general categories for best in Ruapehu as well as the people's choice award.

Charlton said the generosity of sponsors means that a total of $7500 in prize money will be offered this year and the top prize is $2000 for the premier award.

The 2017 premier winner was Ray Woodhouse for his 3D work Light Flight.

Registrations for the 2018 awards close on Friday, June 15 at 5pm and posted entries must be received by 6pm on June 22.

"Entrants can deliver their work to Raetihi Information Centre until 6pm on June 24," Charlton said.

"We have made it easier for people to download the entry forms online this year and we have 60 entries so far."

Charlton said there is always a last-minute rush for people to submit their entries and she is expecting 2018 to be no different.

Winners will be announced on July 3 and all entries will be exhibited at Raetihi's Royal Theatre from July 4-14.

Find out more at www.waimarinoartawards.co.nz or contact Paula Charlton on 021 045 7077.