Young artists are invited to showcase their talent as Lawrence Creative Art’s Youth Art Competition returns.
Open to Clutha youth aged 13 to 21, the competition promises a $1000 first prize, $700 merit prizes, $500 people’s choice awards, and trainee spots at the Tisch Art Academy.
The exhibition opens for the first round of awards on July 19 at Tischler and Co Studio Gallery Lawrence, where it will run until July 27.
It will then be on show at Balclutha’s Te Pou Ō Mata-Au, Clutha District War Memorial and Community Centre from August 1–17 — an extended season to give more people the chance to view and vote for the people’s choice award.
‘‘Last year’s first competition was really successful with over 40 entries, and we know artists from last year are still creating,’’ facilitator Rachel Taylor said.
‘‘We believe providing a kind of official arena with real prizes and attention is sometimes just what it takes to inspire creative people to get busy and overcome barriers like self-doubt and procrastination and show the world what they’ve got.
‘‘That builds the confidence and experience to encourage young beginners to develop and proliferate, and inspires newcomers to take their first steps, so altogether we hope it causes more art and beauty to be brought to the world.’’
Entries close on July 11, with entries to be delivered to the Lawrence Community Library.
‘‘We want lots of people to enter and contact us for questions, guidance and resources — the competition generates networking and technical tutoring as well.
‘‘We’ve had a lot of kids say they’re now working digitally, so as the world changes we expect to change with it, but for 2025 it’s open to sculpture, 2-D and 3-D works, but not digital art and photography unless they are within mixed media.’’
Entry forms are available at www.lawrence.nz/events. There is a $20 fee for each work entered.
