Winner opens first exhibition

Mikayla Baldwin will open her first solo exhibition at Fine Arts Whanganui next week.

PHOTO / Gail Imhoff

Mikayla Baldwin's art featured on the cover of the Whanganui Artist's Open Studio Guide this year and now there will be an opportunity to see more of her work.

The Whanganui High School student will open her first solo exhibition at Whanganui Fine Arts Gallery on June 15.

The exhibition is the culmination of six months work since Baldwin was awarded the first Young Artist Scholarship by the Whanganui Fine Arts Collective in November last year.

"We are extremely proud to be hosting Mikayla's first solo exhibition and her work demonstrates a maturity that is beyond her years," says collective member Jim Norris.

Baldwin has been mentored by collective member Lindsay Marsh to prepare for the exhibition and Whanganui High School art teacher Graham Hall has continued to encourage her artistic development.

The young artist has said she loves non-conformist ideology which she uses to produce her charming portraits of animals, fruit and vegetables clad in classic human apparel.

 

"I love creating surrealistic work and letting the viewers interpret each piece their own way," says the 17-year-old.

"Graham Hall has taught me the technique of drypoint etching and encouraged me to develop the technique."

Baldwin was awarded the main $1000 prize last year and also managed to scoop the people's choice prize of $200.

Whanganui Fine Arts Gallery, established in 2015, has a commitment to fostering emerging talent as part of their mission statement.

The annual scholarship was launched last year with support from the Whanganui District Council and the 2018 winner will be announced at the exhibition opening which is also a celebration of Whanganui Fine Arts' third birthday.

Mikayla Baldwin's exhibition will be open for public viewing at 17 Taupo Quay from June 16.

By Liz Wylie
Wanganui Chronicle 2/6/18