Fine art of fueling inspiration

STATE OF THE ARTS: WHS student Vincent Collins and Tamara-Claire Stratton at the Feeling Inspired Youth Arts Review at the Edith Gallery.

From a family pet to the artwork of Rene Magritte, from drawings to videos, 20 young Whanganui artists have expressed what inspires them.

The artworks are part of the Feeling Inspired Youth Arts Review, currently on display at the Edith Gallery in Taupo Quay.

The review was organised by Whanganui District youth councillors Vincent Collins and Tamara-Claire Stratton, who wanted to hold an arts event for young people.

"We felt that there was a lack of creative projects being done in the youth committee and we wanted to address that," Tamara said.

"We wanted to engage young people in a public art event."

Mr Collins and Ms Stratton said they would have liked to see more entries, but overall they were pleased with the quality of the artwork.

The artwork was judged in three categories by performance artist James Graves, photographer Tiahuia Ranginui and Sarjeant Gallery curator Greg Donson.

"The review was open to anyone aged 12-24 years, so we decided to separate the works into three categories," Mr Collins said.

The winner of the 12-14 years category was Rose Hird; Amber Deadwood won the 15-18 years category; and Ngarongonui Mareikura took out the 19-24 years category.

There is also a People's Choice award, which visitors to the exhibition can vote for.

Mr Collins and Ms Stratton said they definitely want to hold another arts event next year.

"Whether it will be an arts review like this, or whether it will be something different, is what we're currently exploring," Mr Collins said.