Secondary school artworks being showcased and judged

Secondary school artworks from Waikato/Coromandel and Newmarket in Auckland are being exhibited in readiness for auction and judging.

The competition, which is being supported by Creative Waikato and sponsored by Paterson Burn Optometrists, is being held for the third year.

There are 60 entries in this year’s awards – three more than last year. The artwork is being exhibited on-line at www.patersonburn.co.nz/artwork  and also in Paterson Burn branches before being shown at the Creative Waikato gallery in Alexandra Street in Hamilton city.

Senior Paterson Burn Optometrists partner Adrian Paterson says the artwork competition is becoming an anticipated fixture for many secondary school art classes through the region.

“As an organisation we said from the outset we wanted to make an investment in the artistic talents of students and to give them a showcase for their work. We are pleased to see such a strong collection of artwork once again. This year’s theme of ‘Through the looking glass’ has inspired some great entries and as usual it is going to be a tough job for the judges,” Mr Paterson says.

This year’s judges are Leafa Wilson, art curator from Waikato Museum; Dr Carole Shepheard, Waikato resident artist and former Professor of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland; and full-time artist Santie Cronje from Cambridge.

Two thousand dollars in cash prizes are being offered as part of the 2015 Excellence in Art Competition. Prize money is split between winning artists and their schools.

Students will again have the opportunity to sell their artworks in the on-line auction. They will receive 80 per cent of the proceeds with 20 per cent being donated to Diabetes New Zealand.

The winners of the Excellence in Art Competition will be announced at an awards presentation on Thursday, April 23.