Masters Month Challenge - Joan Miro (22/12/08)

This is our last Masters Challenge for the year, look out for the next Masters Challenge winners early next year!

Every month members are given an artist to study. They have the next 4 weeks to paint/create something inspired by the work of that artist. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original, be of any size, medium or style, must adhere to copyright laws and be completed during the 4 week time-frame.

This painting was the winner of the "JOAN MIRO" theme (22/12/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE and MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Victoria Anderson - "Admission"

Vegetarian Artists WOW the crowds

NZ Art Guild members, and proud vegetarians, Melissa Muirhead, Michelle Whitehouse and Sophia Elise wowed the crowds with their art at the Auckland Food and Lifestyle festival. The following article can be found in the latest issue of the magazine "Vegetarian Living" (vol.65 no.2 pg.4)

Photography Challenge - Sparkles (1/12/08)

This is our last Photography Challenge for the year, look out for the next Photography Challenge winners at the beginning of Feb 2009!

Every fortnight members are given a theme. They have the next 2 weeks to take a photograph that represents the theme. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original and be completed during the 2 week time-frame. Members may choose to interpret the theme in any way they wish.

This photograph was the winners of the "SPARKLES" theme (1/12/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE and MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Jane Bold - "'Blue Christmas' by Indigo"

Opportunities for Artists

The following opportunities, exhibitions and awards are currently calling for participants. Please refer to the website or contact details in each listing for more information.

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Call for Volunteers - Community Arts Centre in Auckland

Mairangi Arts Centre on Auckland's North Shore are looking for entusiastic people to volunteer for work experience.

Work starts on Sunday 1 February 2009 and is ongoing

Please apply to
Ellie Drummond
Education/ Galleries Co-ordinator at the MaiarngiArts Centre
Telephone (09) 478 2237
email admin.mac@xtra.co.nz

applications due by Sunday 25 January 2009

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COCA Anothony Harper Contemporary Art Awards

2009 Entry forms are available now, entries close on Friday 10th April.

see http://www.coca.org.nz/ for full details, terms & conditions and entry forms

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Photography : M.I.L.K photography competition

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the original M.I.L.K. competition, M.I.L.K. Licensing, in association with Elliott Erwitt, is conducting this new competition founded on the themes of friends, families, lovers and laughter to create a fresh collection. The 150 winning images will be published in a new book entitled Fresh M.I.L.K.: Friends, Families, Lovers & Laughter in Fall 2009, and on selected licensed products. All of the featured photographers will retain copyright of their images in exchange for granting M.I.L.K. a non-exclusive license.

Both professional and gifted amateur photographers from around the world are invited to submit their images online now. Entry is free, and 150 images will be chosen as finalists. The overall winner, to be chosen by Elliott Erwitt, will receive $50,000.

This is a chance to have a photograph become part of a world-renowned collection and be published in a prestigious international book.

For a detailed overview of the M.I.L.K. project and full details of entry please visit www.milkphotos.com

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First Off the Block Exhibition
A collection of small works on canvas
Mairangi Arts Centre, North Shore

Applications due by Saturday 17 January 2009

Exhibition runs from 20th - 31st January 2009
Opening Night Preview Tuesday, 20th January 5:00 - 7:00pm

For Entry Forms and Terms & Conditions please got to www.mairangiarts.co.nz

Entry costs of $20 includes the canvas. Canvasses must be uplifted from the Mairangi Arts Centre.

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Artspaces One
A group exhibition - various artists
Mairangi Arts Centre, North Shore

Exhibition runs from 3rd - 18th February 2008
Opening Night Preview Tuesday, 3rd February 5:00 - 7:00pm

There are 10 spaces available, these will be filled on a first come first served basis. Mairangi Arts Centre have 4 Artspace Exhibitions throughout the year.

Artwork needs to be at the Centre and hung by Monday 2 February from 9am - 2pm. You are responsible for hanging your own work. Our gallery team will be available to assist you. The exhibition will close at 4pm on Wednesday 18 February and all unsold work MUST be collected between 4-5pm on 18 February.

For more details, Entry Forms and full Terms & Conditions please got to www.mairangiarts.co.nz

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Yellow Pages Group™ Art Awards
(Previously Telecom White Pages Awards)

Three finalists per region will be selected and profiled. The winner receives $2,000, first runner up $1,000 and second runner up $500.

SUBMISSION / CUT OFF DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Auckland, Marlborough, Gisborne, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Bay of Plenty
CLOSED

Southland, Nelson and Bays, Christchurch, Northland, Taranaki, West Coast & Buller
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING - entries close on 20th Feb 2009

Waikato, Wellington, Timaru & Oamaru, Wanganui, Otago, Hawkes Bay
Entries accepted from 30th Jan to 22 May 2009

For more informations and entry forms please go to http://www.ypgartawards.co.nz/

NZ Art Guild spreading Christmas Cheer!

NZ Art Guild Members Marimba Powley, Helen Sherrock, Jane Bold, Melissa Muirhead, Anne Lengauer, Tineswari Maruthamuthu, Chavah Kinloch, Wendy Matthews, Sharlene Schmidt, Sophia Elise, Elspeth Alix Batt, Jen Longshaw have all donated beautiful decorations to this year's annual Christmas Tree Appeal at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna in Auckland.

Help show your support for this worth cause and get into the Christmas spirit, come and visit our the Bruce Mason Centres festive forest of beautifully decorated Christmas Trees! Leave a gift under their huge 12 foot tree and help those less fortunate this holiday season. Last year they collected over 1000 toys for local Children’s Charities, help them top that this year! Your donated gifts will bring some festive cheer to many children and their families this Christmas Day.

Below are some photos of the 2 NZ Art Guild trees and a few of our dedicated members who helped decorate the trees.

Tauranga National Art Awards

The first Tauranga National Art Awards was held from 10 – 16 November 2008. The organisers were proud to have the Farmer Motor Group as their major sponsors and the event was held at their new Auto Village in Hewletts Road , Tauranga. There was wonderful and enthusiastic support from the many other sponsors for each award - without them this event would never have happened.

The four selectors had an almost impossible task on their hands to select only 70 artworks from the 380 that were entered. The venue in the Audi showroom at Farmers Autovillage Extreme dictated only enough space for 70 works to allow the entire exhibition the justice they deserved. The standard was so high in every artwork entered. The final outcome was an exhibition of the highest standard with a wide variety of media and content and something for everyone. There was over 2,000 visitors to the exhibition and many praised it as one of the best they had ever been to.

On Wednesday night they had the award ceremony and auction as well as the official opening of Farmers Autovillage Extreme. Some 1,000 guests were present and 6 of the 11 award winning works sold under the hammer while the other 5 all attracted bidding which, unfortunately, fell short of the reserves. It was an exciting evening with the award winning artists joining in the spirit of the event which all helped to raise the money so desperately needed for the little children of Homes of Hope.

In the days that followed, another 8 works were sold and the organizers were proud to hand the Homes of Hope a cheque for just over $8,000. Thank you to all the artists for taking part in this event and giving so generously to the children of Homes of Hope.

Overall Comments by the Judge
Ross HemeraAssociate ProfessorSchool of Visual and Material CultureCollege of Creative ArtsMassey University , Wellington
The dominant characteristic of the exhibition is the pictorial orientation of the majority of the works. This provincial aspect tends to reaffirm the strength of the local art community. While a creative consistency is apparent there is the expected diversity of subject matter reflecting the obvious importance of interpretation and rendition for each individual artist. The pursuit of excellence in the use and execution of media and technical process seems to be an important and consistent theme throughout the exhibition. In assessing this exhibition I have looked for Aotearoa New Zealand perspectives, universal themes and local significance.

The NZ Art Guild was the proud sponsor of the Watercolour Award won by Nick Eggleston and also sponsored an annual subscription for the 10 other 11 winners

For full details on the winning artworks and to see the judges comments go to http://www.carronsass.com/

Guild Members Exhibitions - December 2008

The following are some of the amazing exhibitions being held by NZ Art Guild Members during the month of December. If you are in the area please stop by and have a look - please support New Zealand Artists!

Exhibition: I See Red !
Where: Garden Room, Letham Gallery 35 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
When: 22nd Nov to 5 Dec 2008
Participating Guild Artist: Catherine Outwin

Seduced by her love of materiality and vibrant colour, “I see RED” explores the emotional intensity of the colour red. This is explored through the organicity of resin and modern techniques of mixed media art. Catherines latest exhibition evolved from studying colour theory at art school and explores the emotional intensity of the colour red. Catherine Outwin has been painting full time since she gained her Certificate in Visual Arts from MIT School of Visual Arts in 2004. She now lives in Takapuna with her young family where she paints professionally. She has had several solo exhibitions and numerous group exhibitions throughout New Zealand.

Exhibition: Annual Christmas Tree Appeal
Where: Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, Auckland
When: 1st - 30th Dec 2008
Participating Guild Artists: Marimba Powley, Helen Sherrock, Jane Bold, Melissa Muirhead, Anne Lengauer, Tineswari Maruthamuthu, Chavah Kinloch, Wendy Matthews, Sharlene Schmidt, Sophia Elise, Elspeth Alix Batt, Jen Longshaw

Get into the Christmas spirit, come and visit our the Bruce Mason Centres festive forest of beautifully decorated Christmas Trees! Leave a gift under their huge 12 foot tree and help those less fortunate this holiday season. Last year they collected over 1000 toys for local Children’s Charities, help them top that this year! Your donated gifts will bring some festive cheer to many children and their families this Christmas Day.

Exhibition: Magpie Gallery Exhibition
Where: Magpie Gallery, 1 Mt Pleasant Drive, Cape Rodney, Leigh
When: 5th - 7th Dec 2008
Participating Guild Artist: Chris Cruickshank

Three day exhibition by 6 local artists - Friday 5th December 6pm, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th 2pm to 6pm both days

Theme Week Challenge - Christmas (24/11/08)

This is our last Theme Challenge for the year, look out for the next Theme Challenge winners at the end of January 2009!

Every fortnight members are given a theme. They have the next 2 weeks to create an artwork that represents that theme. These will often incorporate a certain technique, style, colour etc as an additional challenge for members. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original and be completed during the 2 week time-frame. Members may choose to interpret the theme in any way they wish.

These were the winners of the "CHRISTMAS" theme (24/11/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Jane Bold - "Kiwi Christmas Tree over Kapiti"

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Sophia Elise - "Mabuhay"

Masters Month Challenge - Wassily Kandinsky (17/11/08)

Every month members are given an artist to study. They have the next 4 weeks to paint/create something inspired by the work of that artist. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original, be of any size, medium or style, must adhere to copyright laws and be completed during the 4 week time-frame.

Here are the winners of the KANDINSKY theme (17/11/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Cath Sheard - Untitled

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Sharlene Schmidt - "Eye of beholder"

Photography Challenge - Impressions (17/11/08)

Every fortnight members are given a theme. They have the next 2 weeks to take a photograph that represents the theme. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original and be completed during the 2 week time-frame. Members may choose to interpret the theme in any way they wish.

These Photographs were the winners of the "IMPRESSIONS" theme (17/11/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Melissa Muirhead - "Flying Fairy Princess"

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Jane Bold - "Night is Falling"

Quote of the Month

"The artist brings something into the world that didn't exist before, and he does it without destroying something else. A kind of refutation of the conservation of matter." John Updike

Theme Week Challenge - Garden (10/11/08)

Every fortnight members are given a theme. They have the next 2 weeks to create an artwork that represents that theme. These will often incorporate a certain technique, style, colour etc as an additional challenge for members. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original and be completed during the 2 week time-frame. Members may choose to interpret the theme in any way they wish. This week members as an added challenge, participants had to incorporate the colours Yellow, Turquoise & Black somewhere in their work.

These were the winners of the "GARDEN" theme (10/11/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Marimba Powley "Little Green Thumb"

Jennifer Christiansen "Midnight Tui"

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Amy Mackiewicz "The Vege Bandits"

Helen Sherrock "Underwater Garden"

Photography Challenge - Purple (3/11/08)

Every fortnight members are given a theme. They have the next 2 weeks to take a photograph that represents the theme. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original and be completed during the 2 week time-frame. Members may choose to interpret the theme in any way they wish.

These Photographs were the winners of the "PURPLE" theme (3/11/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Sharlene Schmidt - "Purple Posie"

Jennifer Christiansen - "Untitled 1"

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Helen Sherrock - "Shrek's Purple Plumage"

Jane Bold - "Dinner For Two"

NZ Art Guild Members making a brighter christmas for children in need

This year several NZ Art Guild members have kindly donated handmade Christmas decorations and gifts to Starship Hospital to sell at a Market Stall at their annual Christmas Cracker Tour. Funds raised this year will go towards head cooling caps for Starship's Intensive Care Unit. These caps help to reduce long term damage to babies who have been deprived of oxygen at the time of birth.

Over 500 people will be attending the Christmas Cracker Tour for 2008 - for more information see http://www.starship.org.nz/index.php/pi_pageid/1389/pi_eventid/215

Tickets for the Whitford Country Tour and the Herne Bay Twilight Tour are $65 each and are now on sale at http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/. Please note: the Market Stall is only on the Whitford tour.


Here are some images of some of the decorations lovingly created by our talented members:

Helen Sherrock

Shelly van Soest

Marimba Powley

Silver Dunlop

Cath Sheard

Chavah Kinloch

Tanya Dann

Theme Week Challenge - Community (27/10/08)

Every fortnight members are given a theme. They have the next 2 weeks to create an artwork that represents that theme. These will often incorporate a certain technique, style, colour etc as an additional challenge for members. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original and be completed during the 2 week time-frame. Members may choose to interpret the theme in any way they wish. This week members as an added challenge, participants had to incorporate the use of collage into their work.

These were the winners of the "COMMUNITY" theme (27/10/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Helen Sherrock - "The Taumarunui Good Life"

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Jennifer Christiansen - "Flight of the Monarchs"

International Artist Day - October 25th

October 25th is International Artists Day and it's gaining support worldwide. This grassroots movement is not mainstream as yet but artists and galleries in communities everywhere are jumping on the bandwagon. Why?

Artists are a much ignored group although almost anything you use day to day has an artistic design at its root. Throughout history art has been the most important defining characterization of a culture or people. Art survives personalities, dynasties, movements and civilizations. Artists are pioneers and are usually at the forefront of changing times and events. We might well ask why.

True art is timeless and universal and recognizable to all. Where does the inspiration for art come from? What makes some art priceless and other art mediocre? The artist themselves are the lynch pins. Art that is inspired comes from the “unexplainable” and is translated by the artist. If the artist is “tuned into” this area of consciousness, masterpiece works in painting, sculpture, music or prose can manifest. There are thousands in the arts over the centuries of this magnitude, they are natural conduits and are household names because of the recognition of their contribution to culture and humanity.

The day chosen to honor artists worldwide is October 25th, Picassos' birthday. Why this artist and not another was more a matter recent contribution. Picasso was instrumental in bringing art to the masses more than any other artist up to that time. Picasso is the iconic artist personified.

Now more than ever it is important to focus on art and culture. Mainstream television, globalization and the internet are wiring everyone up to the lowest common denominator. True living requires atunement to our common humanity which is accessed through inspiration and the arts. By giving our attention to artists, we have the opportunity for one day to focus on what is eternal and timeless in our civilization. Just as Remembrance Day is important for the pausing to reflect, Oct. 25th can give us a reason to participate in the arts personally.people, you didn't grow up with art as an important aspect of living, but “the buck stops here” when it comes to your kids and we need to take more of an interest for their sakes.

By Marilyn Hurst - Founder
http://internationalartistday.com/

Guild Members Exhibitions - November 2008

The following are some of the amazing exhibitions being held by NZ Art Guild Members during the month of November. If you are in the area please stop by and have a look - support New Zealand Artists!!!

Solo Exhibition
When: 24th October - 7th November
Where: Kava Cafe, Seddon Street, Waihi
Participating Guild Artist: Trish Macready

City Of Dunedin Art Awards
When: 1st - 30th November
Where: Otago Art Society, First Floor, Dunedin Railway Station, Anzac Square, Dunedin
Participating Guild Artist: Tanya Dann, Jane Santos, Janet Marshall and Marimba Powley

The Otago Art Society is open 10am-4pm 7 days

Tauranga First National Art Awards
When: 10th - 16th November
Where: Farmer Motor Group, New Auto Village in Hewletts Road, Tauranga
Participating Guild Artists: TBC

Auction Evening: The eleven award-winning artworks will be auctioned on Wednesday, 12 November 2008 at 6 pm
NZ Art Guild are proud sponsors - Best watercolour - $500 and winners of all 11 categories will receive a annual subscription to the NZ Art Guild

“HANDS ACROSS THE WORLD”
When: 12th - 15th November
Where: House of Prayer, 9B Binsted Road, New Lynn, Auckland
Participating Guild Artists: TBC

Opening night - Wed 12 November 2008 7.00pm tickets $10 adults - under 12 free- Viewing & sale of artworks - Parade & sale of 100+ original “born again” recycled women’s clothes AND “one off” exquisite gowns & coats - Auction of donated artworks
Exhibition hours - Thursday – Saturday 13—15 November 10am-
FIRST PRIZE Adults $500 Children $100
100% of Proceeds to The Family Centre in Romania - a New Zealand & Romanian initiative preventing abandonment of children in Romania

Christmas Cracker House Tour - Whitford Country Tour and Market Stall
When: 14th November
Where: Auckland. Exact Location is Top Secret - you must purchase a ticket through Starship to participate in the tour and Market Stall.
Participating Guild Artists: Tanya Dann, Marimba Powley, Shelly van Soest, Sharlene Ngatapuna, Cath Sheard, Chavah Kinloch, Silver Dunlop, Helen Sherrock

Starships Annual Christmas Tour - This year the Christmas Cracker House Tour takes you to beautiful country estates in the Whitford area. The houses will be lovingly decorated in Christmas theme by local stylists and florists. The tour will run from 10am - 3.30pm, and will include a Market Stall where variety of exquisite goods are sold, including handmade Christmas Decorations made by NZ Art Guild Members. Funds raised this year will go towards head cooling caps for Starship's Intensive Care Unit.

For more information including how to get your ticket go to http://www.starship.org.nz/index.php/pi_pageid/1389/pi_eventid/215

Northern Southlands Arts Trust
When: 17th - 21st November
Where: Southern Automobile Showrooms, 221 Dee Street Invercargill
Participating Guild Artists: Michelle Wallis, Joanne Borgman

The open evening is to be held on November the 15th 2008. Exhibition and silent auction will be opened by Ivan Clarke, famed Artist and Noel Coutts, Singer and entertainer. All Proceeds raised from this evening will be going directly to the HOSPICE SOUTHLAND. All artists participating have kindly agreed to donate 3 paintings each and 20% commission on any other sales for the entire event. 10 amazing artists and photographers are contributing to this incredible worthy cause.

Masters Month Challenge - Vincent van Gogh (20/10/08)

Every month members are given an artist to study. They have the next 4 weeks to paint/create something inspired by the work of that artist. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original, be of any size, medium or style, must adhere to copyright laws and be completed during the 4 week time-frame.

Here are the winners of the VINCENT VAN GOGH theme (20/10/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Anni Morris - "Vincent’s Cat"

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Helen Sherrock - "Vans by Gogh"

North Shore City Art Awards raises the bar even higher

Christopher Johnstone and Di Smallfield, judges for the North Shore City Art Awards 2008, were very impressed by the high standard of artworks, making special mention that the entries are getting stronger with every year. Artworks came from all over NZ with 83 finalists selected. This is certainly an event to keep an even closer eye on in the coming years.

Once again the Mairangi Art Centre created a fabulous opening night with live Jazz and over 150 people attending. North Shore City Mayor, Andrew Williams, officially opened the Art Awards and was particularly taken with the winning artwork by Barbara von Seida – Stony Bay Coromandel.

The judges felt the winning artwork included a wide range of painting conventions such as confident media application, a selective and complimentary palette, high viewpoint and an asymmetrical strength to the composition. Added to this was that the artwork epitomized the qualities of a contemporary context and the risk-taking they were looking for.

The artworks are diverse and eclectic ranging from traditional oils to contemporary mixed media. It’s a must see exhibition and is at the Mairangi Art Centre, Hastings Rd , Mairangi Bay , Auckland until November 15th.

Congratulations to all the award winners who also receive an annual subscription to the NZ Art Guild.

Factory Frame Merit Award - $500
Sue Collins – Moutere Coromandel

Laurie Coon Merit Awards - $500
Dana Rose – Out of the Mist

Comworth Systems Merit Awards - $500
Jos Coufruer - Children

Runner Up
Gordon Harris – The art and Graphic Store Award - $1000
Janet Williamson – Summer Sunshine

Winner
North Shore City Council Premier Award 2008 - $4000
Barbara von Seida - Stony Bay Coromandel.

The Bunnings Warehouse Peoples Choice Award of $500 will be announced at the end of the exhibition on November 15 - so make sure that you cast your vote for your favourite artwork.

Winner Barbara von Seida with her painting "Stony Bay Coromandel"

North Shore leading the way in the Arts

ShoreSpace, a NZ first, was launched last night at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, Auckland. North Shore City have created a first of it's kind - a unique art portal to unite all the arts organisations in the local community and further afield.

As early as 2001, the North Shore City-Te Raki Pae Whenua arts community has been working with the to find an effective way to support and promote the energy and vitality of the arts and creative activity within its communities. With ShoreSpace Arts Portal, North Shore showcases these talents and services through this interactive arts portal, in recognition of the proud and progressive arts community we are home to.

ShoreSpace is an online arts hub which gives easy access to everything that celebrates the arts in our city. All sectors are invited to register; visual, literary, performing and multi-dimensional arts and crafts, as well as technicians and other supporters of our evolving and growing creative industries sector.

Shorespace follows the model of shared governance of arts outcomes by being a collaborative initiative between the arts organisations and North Shore City Council. Shorespace will continue to support this value through ongoing development and management of the site.

Last night saw the team from Mairangi Art Centre (including NZ Art Guild Members - Victoria Anderson and Sophia Elise) taking art out to the community and getting everyone to pick up a paint brush and express their creativity. Two giant canvases were set up to encourage the hidden artist to appear - North Shore City Mayor Andrew Williams was keen to show his support of the local arts community as well as his artistic flair with a painting of the Pumphouse.

To find out more about Shorespace and to become involved go to http://www.shorespace.org.nz/

Victoria Anderson, Margaret Copley-Bishop, Sophia Elise, Ellie Drummond, Rachel Irwin

(The Fantastic Hats were created by Natalie Bliss)

North Shore City Mayor, Andrew Williams

North Shore City Mayor, Andrew Williams

One of the finished community Artworks which will be displayed at Mairangi Bay Art Centre

The second of the finished community Artworks which will be displayed at Mairangi Bay Art Centre

Creating the Community Artworks

Creating the Community Artworks

Photography Challenge - Water (20/10/08)

Every fortnight members are given a theme. They have the next 2 weeks to take a photograph that represents the theme. These challenges are completely voluntary. Submissions must be original and be completed during the 2 week time-frame. Members may choose to interpret the theme in any way they wish.

These Photographs were the winners of the "WATER" theme (20/10/08)

PEOPLE'S CHOICE:

Jo Wright - "Untitled"

MOST CREATIVE USE OF THEME:

Helen Sherrock - "The Human Sprinkler"