Sketchpads in hand, youngsters shine

Some of Wanganui's brightest art talent got the chance to shine over the weekend at In Situ: Whanganui and Districts Inter-Secondary School Portrait Competition, which was held on Saturday morning at Trafalgar Square.

Jacob MacGregor, of Wanganui High School, took out the Supreme Award and won the opportunity to spend some time at UCOL during the school holidays, to focus on a particular art discipline with the support of the college's tutors.

Two candidates for Whanganui in this year's general election, John Milnes (Green Party) and Hamish McDouall (Labour), modelled for the portrait contest.

Event organiser Christodoulos Moisa decided to establish the competition seven years ago after recognising a need to promote the talents of young artists. He said they often missed out on the attention otherwise afforded to youth who excelled in sport or academically.

The 2009 Supreme Award recipient, Rubi Fleming of Wanganui Girls' College, made a return to the event and took out the senior (Years 12-13) best likeness prize, while Kaela Janiten, of Wanganui High School, was the winner of the senior expressionist prize.

The prizes, including a SodaStream, iPod, DVD player and Subway vouchers, made up a pool of $1500 worth of goods, all donated by local retailers.

Mr Moisa said Saturday's competition generated great public interest, with the most noticeable response being that of shock and surprise at the quality of work.

Other awards:

• Intermediate (Year 11) best likeness, Jacob MacGregor (WHS).

• Intermediate expressionist, Eden Christie (Wanganui Collegiate School).

• Junior (Years 9-10) best likeness, Hashimi de Silva (WHS).

• Junior expressionist, Rebekah Dunning (WGC).

• Best use of pencil, Jacob MacGregor (WHS).

• Most amusing, Nadine Callaghan (WGC).