Art n Tartan competition expected to be fierce

 

The Waipu Museum and Art n Tartan organising team are gearing up for a fantastic new-look contest and show this coming July 19-20 in the Celtic Barn, Waipu.

Tickets for the annual event will be on sale soon and are expected to sell out fast. 

This year, audiences can expect a raft of new and innovative ideas from artistic director, well-known actor Stuart Devenie, who has come on board with an exciting concept for the show. 

Stuart brings with him a wealth of experience: artistic director of Centrepoint Theatre in Palmerston North, a senior educator at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School, a founding member of Circa Theatre in Wellington, and an associate director at The Court Theatre in Christchurch. The Art n Tartan team are looking forward to working with Stuart in the new show.

Design entries are already rolling in and cut-off date for entry forms is Friday April 19 although garments do not have to be completed until preliminary judging in June. Forms and further details can be downloaded from the museum website or picked up from the front desk in Waipu. With over $16,000 in prizes to be awarded, competition will be fierce.

Another innovation this year is to have a completely open contest. Artists can create the costume of their dreams, the only rule is the inclusion of conspicuous and obvious tartan. There will be a section for under-16 designers and first time entrants, accessories, and the well-loved children’s masks. There is also a whole host of special awards, including a state-of-the-art sewing machine and overlocker generously donated by Country Dawn and Quilting of Whangarei worth over $2,000.

Ticket prices this year are $50 for opening night Friday July 19, $45 for Saturday 2pm matinee, and $60 for the much sought after Awards Night. Tickets from Eventfinda from early May.