Local ceramacist/ sculptor to judge new society award

A local sculptor is to judge Waikato Society of Art’s latest award.

The society, a not-for-profit organisation, has been operating for the past 89 years in the Hamilton area.

They are the original custodians of the Waikato art collection, since gifted to the Waikato Museum.

The society hosts three national art awards, studio space for artists, workshops, a free art library and a thriving art school with more than 40 visual art classes a week for ages starting from 5 years, right up to 95.

Its print studios are unique in Aotearoa for continuing to teach traditional printmaking techniques to students for decades.

The society has announced its Small Sculpture Award, being held in June 2023. Entries are now open to all sculptors.

The judge will be Andrea du Chatenier, a sculptor turned ceramicist from Kirikiriroa/ Hamilton.

She completed a Certificate in Craft Design at Waikato

Institute of Technology, a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Auckland University, and a Master of Fine Arts at RMIT, in Melbourne, Australia.

She has received many grants and awards for her work, including selection for the Sao Paulo Biennale, the Wallace

Arts Trust Vermont Award, and the Portage Ceramics Residency award at Guldagergaard, Denmark.

In 2022 she was awarded the Blumhardt Foundation Gift for her contribution to New Zealand craft.

After completing the Tylee Cottage Artist Residency at the Sarjeant Gallery she set up her studio in Whanganui.

Du Chatenier has spent many years lecturing in art and design. She currently teaches at UCOL in Whanganui.

For the sculpture award the main prize is $5000 sponsored by PAUA, a merit award of $2000 sponsored by Fosters and a people’s choice award of $1000 from CFO Partner.

Andrea du Chatenier, a sculptor turned ceramicist from Kirikiriroa/ Hamilton will judge the Waikato Society of Arts’ Small Sculpture Award.