OBJECTive Art Awards winners announced

Manukau’s OBJECtive art award winners were announced at an awards evening at the historic Nathan Homestead last Friday night.

The awards are now in their second year and allocates prizes worth more than $10,000.

From the 110 entries received, 40 pieces have been chosen for the exhibition by guest selector John Penman.

“The winning work really stood out and had great presence,” commented Mr Penman. He added that there was a sense of mystery, fantastic craftsmanship and an indefinable charm to be found in the winning works.

Manukau Arts’ exhibitions coordinator, Gabrielle Belz, was impressed by the number and overall high standard of object art entries received.

“Entries ranged from the handmade to the highly designed – in ceramics, glass, jewellery, wood, metalwork, textiles and furniture,” she says.

“This year, a number of artists have been inspired to work with wood, stretching the parameters in this medium to create items of practicality and good design. Many of the artists have explored the ordinary, creating an item of beauty, social commentary, or humour.”

2008 award recipients are:

Premier Award of $5,000
Mark Mitchell for ‘Under the Sun’

2nd Prize of $3,000
Carolyn Milbank for ‘Keep’ 2008

3rd Prize of $1,500
Graham Ambrose for ‘Tasman 120 Bowl’

Manukau Designer Award of $1,000
Cath Dearsley for ‘$2 Shop Treasure’

People can view the winning works and accompanying exhibition at Nathan Homestead until 2 November.

The awards are organised and sponsored by Manukau City Council. Ms Belz says that the exhibition is a great opportunity for the public to see work from both regional and the wider national community of artists and makers. Work is for sale and there are a number of reasonably-priced gems for those with an eye for collecting.

What: OBJECTive Art Awards and Exhibition
Awards night: Friday 26 September, 7pm
When: 27 September – 2 November
Gallery hours: Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 1–4pm
Where: The Gallery, Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa
Entry: FREE