Strong UCOL presence in Whanganui Arts Review

UCOL has had a strong showing in the 2019 Whanganui Arts Review, highlighted by Senior Lecturer Dr Kathryn Wightman winning the Open Award for the second straight year.

Kathryn took out the Open Award for her 3D-printed bust of her son, while fellow UCOL Senior Lecturer Andrea du Chatenier and Bachelor of Design & Arts student Keiran Donnelly each received Merit Awards.

As Open Award winner, Kathryn will hold a solo showcase exhibition at the Sarjeant Gallery in 2020, sponsored by Wellington consultancy Pattillo.

Other UCOL Design and Arts students, Sonia Forsey, Kristine Lott, Lauriel Masson-Oakden, Eva Harkness, Sarah Bartley-Leguizamon and Nicolas Toyne, also had their work selected for the Review, along with Lecturer Leigh Anderton-Hall. They were chosen from a record 188 entries.

Now in its 31st year, the Whanganui Arts Review is the longest running event of its type New Zealand. It is open to any artist working in any media in the Whanganui region.

UCOL Design and Arts Programme Leader Stephanie West said she is proud to see so many students and staff chosen for such a high profile exhibition.

“It’s the biggest show in the region, and it provides our students with the unique opportunity of showing their work at Sarjeant Gallery to a large public audience. It’s a high level competition that helps to create a high profile for our staff and students.”

The finalists' work is open for viewing at the Sarjeant Gallery on the Quay until May 12.

This Whanganui Arts Review is not the only high profile arts event UCOL has been involved with this year, with many students exhibiting their work as part of the recent Artists Open Studios event. The event sees Whanganui galleries and studios open their work spaces to hundreds of visitors from around the country over two weekends. It proved to be a valuable experience for students, with a number of them selling their work.

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