Artworks on show
Hundreds of artworks were on display at the 2018 ART Waikino on Labour Weekend.
Tirau painter Wilma Van Veen took on the 2018 Supreme Award and first prize in the Art category.
More awards in the art, photography, handcraft, sculpture and Armistice 100 categories were presented during the opening night on Friday.
Standards were high at the 2018 edition of ART Waikino exhibition.
This year the art on display stepped up notch, with some impressive paintings, photographs, handcrafts and sculptures.
Artists were awarded during the opening night on Friday in the several categories from painting, photographs, sculptures, handcrafts and in the new Armistice Centennial section.
ART Waikino convenor Helen Wilson announced her retirement from running the exhibition and was acknowledged on stage by committee members and the public.
Photography judge Annette Johnston, who could not attend the opening, said that she was impressed with the quality of work this year.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at the images this year, in fact I think the standard is somewhat remarkable, and all the photographers are to be congratulated," she said.
Katikati photographer Jo Bryant took both first and second prizes with two of her photos — The Violinist and Guitar Man - in the ‘People' category.
The judge found her monochrome photograph of a little boy playing violin “simple, understated but utterly compelling!”
Paeroa photographer Kathy Bland was awarded third prize in the same category for her photograph of a pilot entitled, Ready to roll.
Judge Annette said her picture is "uncomplicated and simple" showing "environmental portraiture at its best".
In the ‘Other' category, Taurangabased photographer Paula Petherick took first place with her still life composition entitled Manuka Native Vase.
Second place was Monique MacFarlane with Birds on a wire, an image "filled with tension and photographic contradictions abound," said judge Annette.
Third place in the same category went to Waihi photographer Vince Lowe with his nude entitled Something Special.
"A combination of shapes, curves and angles coalesce seamlessly in this rather compelling but modest nude," the judge said.
The Armistice Centennial award went to Sally Thrush for Lone poppy, a textile piece of art with collage and art judge Paula McNeil said there was “beauty in the message” showing workmanship.
Dave Mangino took the Handcraft award with his black bridle leather piece and Phillip Mendel was first in the Sculpture award for his wood work entitled, Maiden Head.
Judge Paula said she found the piece "interesting" and making good use of materials.