Mangaweka Fakes & Forgeries Festival 2017

Mangaweka Fakes & Forgeries 2017

The two yearly Mangaweka Fakes & Forgeries exhibition and festival took place this Saturday the 4th of November 2017. Following strong media interest, due to it being the 10th year, a large crowd descended upon the town in the morning to view the exhibition and attend other fun happenings on the day. This year also featured Irene's "Christmas Fayre" and a 'Combined Schools' Art exhibition in the Historic Village Hall. Over 20 different stall holders and marketeers offered everything from small gifts to crafts and food-fayre and seasonal knick-knacks for the Christmas stocking. All this was surrounded by over 150 colourful artworks created by students from the schools throughout the Rangitikei district. Also on the old main street of Broadway, there was a 'Mega Book Fair' held in the Fire Station, with literally hundreds of books, from Fiction to Non-fiction, Novels, Historicals and Biographies sold at bargain basement prices. This and the sale of Devonshire Teas and hot scones raised a healthy sum for the local Mangaweka Heritage Society. Also on Broadway at i5 Gallery, Maree Brannigan and George Ferry presented works for a separate 'Mexican Themed' Art Exhibition, showing screen printed and other works with a 'Day of the Dead' theme.

Several attendees and budding Artists also contributed to two new Mangaweka Masterpieces, which when completed will be added to the 24 hour outdoor walk-around exhibition which adorns the town. To keep everyone fuelled up for the day's activities, hearty Food & Coffee was served all day by the Papa Cliff Cafe. At 2pm the prize giving for the Adults and separate youngsters' exhibition got underway at the "Yellow Church Gallery" on State Highway One. A very impressive collection of over 50 entries made an eclectic mix of works making up the exhibition, which runs until the 14th of January.

The Judges were gallery owners Richard Aslett and Maree Brannigan, and former Auckland Art Gallery owner Michael Cathels. They didn't have to look too far for the winner this year. By coincidence, and without any 'political persuasion' it turned out theat two very different renditions of the New Prime minister Jacinda Ardern took the top prize in both the Adults Section and the 16 years and under section, proving that 'Jacinda Fever' is still a real and happening phenomena! By an uncanny twist of irony, local MP for Rangititkei, Ian McKelvie of the National party, was on hand at the event presenting prizes, and was there for the revelation of the Winner! Though initially slightly taken aback (and maybe somewhat humbled to be paying homage to 'Queen Jacinda' he did take it all in good spirit with a joke or two and a smile. The producer of the Adult artwork is Victoria Heatherbell, from Dunedin, and the under 16's, Lola Murray Campden comes from Wanganui.

Other recreations, of the 50 plus entries, that ranked in the top five, came from all over New Zealand and were: 2nd from New Plymouth, Taihape (3rd) and joint 4th (2x) Merit Award winners comming from Hunterville and Palmerston North. Lots and lots of other great works were entered, from Picasso's, to Monet's, to Peter Macintyr's, and a few good old Goldie's as well. There was even an impressive 3D Campbell's food tin, created from a large oil drum in the style of Andy Warhol, going to show the thriving depth of Artistic talent abounding in New Zealand today. Gallery owner and main organiser Richard Aslett said "The day was again a great success, and for the first time the exhibition runs right over Christmas and New Year's, so there is plenty of opportunity for locals and travellers to drop in a view the exquisite and crafty works that are on display."

The exhibition runs right through till January the 14th and Mangaweka 'Yellow Church' Gallery on SH1 is open week-ends, and most other days, from 10.30am to 5pm

For appointment viewing visit : www.freewebs.com/mangawekagallery.

ENDS

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