Kaipara art unique and inspirational

---

Kaipara is truly rich with talented and inspired artists. The proof, a stunning display of art across all disciplines, displayed amongst the treasures of the Matakohe Museum, for the Gilmore Brown Kaipara Art Awards – and Mangawhai artists feature strongly in the entries and awards.

Each Spring local artists, from all disciplines of art, come together and compete in the Kaipara Art Awards. John Pickworth, of Mangawhai Artists, organised this year’s event at the Matakohe Museum.

“Every year this event attracts more and more entries and this year has been the best yet,” says John.

The depth and breadth of the entries is a stunning tribute to the generations of artists who choose to make Kaipara their home bringing a rawness of the Kiwi environment tinged with our unique Northland flavour.

Art from every genre is represented in the exhibition and can be seen at the Matakohe Museum through September. Museum CEO Betty Nelly is keen to remind everyone living in the district that entry to the museum is free with proof of your local address.
The art entries were judged at the awards evening last Friday. The evening swung into a relaxed pace with sponsors from Mangawhai, Te Whai Bay Wines and Evo Olive Oils, with a smorgasbord of treats from Kaiwaka Cheese. Judges Chris Carey and Laura Burns from CHARTNorth awarded the placings, giving each artist validation for their efforts and talents.

Drawing and Painting made up the largest number of entries, attracting over 40 artists. First place went to Frances Casey with ‘Foggy Morning Dew Drops’, Lorna Keen 2nd with ‘Face of Labour, and 3rd Alene Featherstone’s ‘Abandoned Homestead’.

The Wood genre saw John Ecuyer take 1st place for his ‘Star Shield’, Aaron Ellis-Smith 2nd with ‘Fern’ and 3rd Serge Tetzner with ‘Nga Rau Nui’. John Ecuyer scored another 1st place in the 3 Dimensional genre for ‘Ice Time’, Jo Roberts was 2nd with ‘Hanging Out In Kaipara’, and 3rd place went to Pat Mortensen with ‘Glass As My Canvas’.

Jennifer Crundwell achieved double awards in the Adornment category taking 1st and 2nd place for ‘Not Your Grandmother’s Crochet’ and ‘Bonfire Story’. Donna Shadick carried away the 3rd prize for ‘NZ Bush Clematis in Bloom’.

Photography and Print Making placed Alistair Morrow 1st with ‘Kuia’, 2nd to Wendy Clifford’s ‘Gannets’, and 3rd to Barry Clark with ‘Turbulence’.
Main sponsors this year included Gilmore Brown, the Kauri Museum, Materials Processing Limited, Westmoreland Homes and the Kaipara Lifestyler.
 
 
By Nicola Deveraux

---

 
Aaron Ellis-Smith, Flower.
Barry Clark, Turbulence.
Jo Roberts, Hanging out in the Kaipara.
Lorna Keen, Face of Labour.