UCOL arts student emerges as finalist

Media Release

Tuesday 23 July 2013

UCOL arts student emerges as finalist

Irish born Quay School of the Arts student Triona Cooney has been selected as finalist in the NZAAT Emerging Artist Awards.

The third year Whanganui UCOL Bachelor of Fine Arts student who is majoring in Glass, is one of nine shortlisted in the prestigious annual awards that recognise emerging artistic talent and highlights New Zealand’s art schools.

Her successful entry is titled Reflection of Deep Roots and consists of three grapefruit sized ‘glass memories’. Each one encapsulates one of Triona’s drawings depicting treasured memories of her late granddad, in glass.

Reflection of Deep Roots consists of three grapefruit sized ‘glass memories’.

Triona chose to transfer her memories to the medium of glass, to give them a permanence and physical presence.

She says she was very surprised to hear of her selection as a finalist and also very proud to represent glass art in such a prominent exhibition and the Wanganui Glass School.

“Glass is also sometimes underrepresented in the art world, so to even be selected was a huge personal achievement in itself,” says Triona “The theme of my work was very personal and I did not know how others would interpret the work, or if it would resonate with the judges.

“Competitions like this for students are rare and are such a great opportunity. I am very grateful to NZAAT for giving art students like myself support and encouragement.”

Whanganui UCOL’s Associate Dean (Creative) Katrina Langdon says, “The UCOL Whanganui Glass School continues to be the leader in contemporary glass education for NZ, and the selection of Triona’s work from among some tough completion is evidence the on-going commitment to excellence that we maintain.”

“We are very pleased for Triona as this is an excellent commercial opportunity in a very competitive environment.”

The finalists will be exhibited at this weekend’s NZ Art Show and four winners will each be awarded $2.500 in prize money at the Gala Night on Thursday 25 July.

Notes to reporters:

The joint Taskforce between Wanganui District Council and UCOL has finalised its recommendations that reflect the community’s ambitions in fine arts and glass education (as well as science, technology, engineering and maths provision; training for those not engaged in employment, education or training; and improving UCOL community connections). The Taskforce acknowledges that there is a vibrant arts community in Whanganui and recognises the community’s aspirations to grow the profile Whanganui enjoys as a nationally significant arts centre. For more detailed information please visit http://www.ucol.ac.nz/Pages/NewsItem.aspx?nid=585

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