Two Whanganui artists won coveted awards at the New Zealand Art Show held at Wellington’s TSB Arena. Leonie Sharp brought home the people’s choice award for her mixed-media work Sacred Peaks . The $3000 prize, sponsored by Brendan Foot Supersite, was awarded after a double selection process.
“The sponsors selected 10 works and visitors were each given a red token to place in the slot for their selection,” Sharp said. “It’s amazing to have your work chosen by the people. The other selected works were all really good as well.
” Known for her beautiful woven feather work, Sharp also uses paper and natural fibres to make patterns that fit the shapes of traditional and contemporary designs. “I wanted to try something different and decided to try a landscape,” she said. “I felt quite pleased with it but the affirmation from people’s votes is a real confidence boost.
” Sharp said she appreciated seeing Whanganui faces in the crowd visiting the show over King’s Birthday Weekend. “It’s an art show rather than an exhibition and it’s very popular. “It can seem a bit overwhelming so seeing those familiar faces was nice.
Thanks to the Whanganui people who came down.” Sharp works from her home studio the Nest in Glasgow Street, Whanganui. Emma Camden received a $1000 highly commended prize for her cast glass work Structure in the highly contested Richard T.
Nelson Sculpture Award category. Judges described Camden’s work as “gorgeous” and praised her .