Winners of NZ’s Largest Art Competition

Media Release
Thursday 13 April 2006

Winners of NZ’s Largest Art Competition
2006 Royal Easter Show Art Awards

The winners of New Zealand’s largest art competition, the 2006 Royal Easter Show Art Awards, were announced at a special presentation last night.

Open to artists of all ages, amateur and professional, the awards include painting, photography, ceramics, woodcraft and textile sections with thousands of dollars worth of prizes to be won.

“The overall standard and quality of the artworks this year has been outstanding, with a great cross section of work being shown and entrants showing great integrity and producing some very unique and original works,” says judge Johnathan Organ.

“The overall best painting ‘The Wind From Island’ by artist Yang Yang is truly outstanding and a very refined exploration of Maori mythology and spirituality.”

All entries are on display for the duration of the Royal Easter Show, on from 13 –18 April at the ASB Showgrounds, with many works also for sale. With the largest viewing audience of any art show in the country, tens of thousands of visitors are estimated to attend.

Presented with their awards by Mayor of Auckland Mr Dick Hubbard, the major award winners were as follows:

- Best overall painting in K G Fraser Art Award, The Wind From Island (The last of sunshine), by Yang Yang of Howick, Auckland*.

- Best watercolour painting in Raye Hannam Memorial Trophy, Auckland Gaff Riggers, by Warwick Russell of Manurewa, Auckland*.

- Most successful artist in show Royal Agricultural Society Medal, first equal, Amanda Carlier of Glendowie, Auckland and Warwick Russell of Manurewa, Auckland*.

- Best overall photograph, Untitled 2, by Peter Merrick of Mt Eden, Auckland.

- Best overall wood turner, Spot the Wave, by Terry Scott of Papakura, Auckland.

- Best in Morris and James ceramic open category, Forest Floor by Joyce Young of New Plymouth.

- Best overall exhibit in textile craft, Eileen Shaw of Hamilton.

ENDS

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