Wellington Emerging Artists in Thorndon at Artrium Gallery

Wellington Emerging Artists Hit the Town in Thorndon at Artrium Gallery Thursday Night

The night was buzzing, the artists were nervous and the gallery was packed! Artrium Gallery hosted the First Annual Wellington Emerging Artist Awards last night in Thorndon. This small gallery really stands tall in the art world, especially in identifying some of the best local talent Wellington has to offer. Artrium Gallery put out a call a few months ago for emerging artist from the Wellington region, and boy did they respond! The finalists included 38 works of art, in three categories: Painting (oil, acrylic, mixed media), Works on Paper (watercolour, etchings, illustration, pen, graphite) and Photography (traditional, digital or combination).

Directors Ami & Norm Brown have been overwhelmed with the level of talent in the Wellington art scene and were surprised there was no Emerging artist awards for this region, and subsequently decided to create the event to honour our local talent. “The amount of talent in Wellington is incredible and it’s been a real joy to be able to put together a night to honour them”, commented Ami.

A panel of judges scored the art in Creativity, Technical Ability, Composition, Overall Impression & Did it make a statement. The judges included professional artists, art dealer, photographer and special guest judge Michael Fowler. The competition was as diverse as it was fierce and only a few points separated the finalists. There was one overall winner, there were also first and second place in all three categories.

Our local Wellington businesses really stepped up to the plate and donated some great prizes for the evening. TSB sponsored the $500 grand prize, Iselde Boam Massage Therapy gave three 60 minute massage vouchers- $80 value, Wellington City Cottages will display the winner’s artwork in the lobby and also gave a night accommodation up to $400 value, Mojo coffee gave promo items and coffee, Arty Bees Books included a $50 voucher, Artrium Gallery gave cash prizes to the first place winners, gifts to all the second place winners and organised the night with the venue, nibbles and wine.

The overall winner is Fiona Langford for her painting “Haven”. When she was asked what she is planning to do with the money, she is saving up for a printing screen. Currently an art student, she also makes homemade paper, plastics, screen printing and paints on non-traditional items like full size doors. Fiona’s super realistic winning painting solidifies her as a truly talented artist and she also happens to be completely deaf.

First place winner in the painting category is Helen Williamson, 2nd place is Angela Lane. First place in the photography category is Kelsi Doscher, 2nd place is Adele Hickford. First place in the paper category is Anya Gladstone and 2nd place is Lynne McMenamin. During the following week, the public is encouraged to vote and a People’s Choice Award winner will be announced at the end of the exhibition. The exhibition runs until 2nd of November. Artrium Gallery is located at 310 Tinakori Road in Thorndon and is open 7 days, visit www.artriumgallery.co.nz to view the video of the awards night and to see some of the work on display. This 6-month young gallery specialised in affordable, quality art by local emerging artists, also offers convenient lay-by, art classes and workshops.

ENDS

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