‘Highland Coo’ a winner
A ‘Highland Coo’ was judged the supreme winner of the 2017 Waipu Museum Art n Tartan Wearable Arts Awards held at Waipu on July 21 and 22.
Designed by Aimee Tomes and modelled by her husband Leonard the design also won the Tartan Innovation Award for the most creative and innovative use or representation of tartan.
Judges noted the exceptional workmanship which was refined and detailed. Glass beads were use to create the tartan design for the mythical creature which was ‘magical and bold’’.
The seventh annual event had numerous categories offering a wide range of creative possibilities including a children’s mask competition.
It was split into three shows; an opening night performance followed by a matinee and topped off with an awards even- ing of light and sound.
This year a category runnerup was awarded for a costume demonstrating overall excellence which had really challenged the judges in selecting a winner. This went to Alarnya Ashby for her costume ’’Burning Desire’’.
The People’s Choice award went to designers Pamela Illingworth and Heather Woodcock for ‘‘Celtic Landfall Aotearoa’’ which also won the WOW Factor award for its outstanding stage presence. This was described by judges as a theatrical and majestic garment.