Rich variety expected at art awards

Scores of works reflecting a huge range of artistic styles and utilising a wide variety of media are expected to be entered for the Rodney Art Awards of 2017.

North Rodney Community Arts Council chairperson Joy Bell says based on previous experience, entries will likely include examples of tapestries, rug hooking, calligraphy, glass blowing, felting, photography and more.

Joy says art involving spinning and weaving is often especially strongly represented, reflecting Rodney’s rural character.

The theme of this year’s awards is “Artists in Rodney.”

Judges will assess all the works based on their faithfulness to the theme, their quality and originality.
Judges have yet to be chosen for 2017 but usually feature a practising artist and a gallery representative.

Entered works will be exhibited at the Old Masonic Hall, Warkworth, on September 1 and 2. Entry is restricted to north Rodney residents and ratepayers, and works must not have previously been exhibited.

Apart from that, the awards are open to anyone who wants to “give it a go” and gain confidence in exhibiting their work.

Last year there were about 70 entries.