THE BATTLEFORDS - Eleven young Battlefords artists were recognized for their talents in woodcutting, etching, mixed media, watercolour, pencil crayon and more with the fourth annual Hazee Awards ceremony on Thursday, April 27.
“It’s such a broad range of talent and vision. Some of the concepts are incredible, even from the little seven and eight year olds, right up to the 19 year olds,” Leah Garven, the curator of the Chapel Gallery, said to the News-Optimist.
“...this year they spent more time on their narrative aspect of the project, and really tied it to the theme stronger.”
This year’s theme was "Our gathering places, social events, and our place in nature."
The Hazee Awards are supported by the Rob and Nora Rongve Family Fund, through the Battlefords and District Community Foundation, and were started in tribute to the late Hazel Asmussen, a well-known local artist.
“Rob and Nora’s vision was that they didn’t want to inhibit anybody from anticipating because of age. Really it is sponsored by their whole family … It’s a family love,” Garven said.
The winners are as follows:
- Cazea Johnstone, Artist of the Year for her piece, "Our Way;"
- Monkia Hardi, Artistic Achievement Award for her piece, "The View;"
- Piper Kent, Creative Excellence Award for her piece, "Homeward Bound;"
- Mikayla Wisner, Creative Excellence Award for her piece, "Mother Earth;"
- Myah Edwards, Junior Artistic Achievement Award for her piece, "Northern Light Galaxy."
Honourable Mention Awards were also given to six young artists: Aryn Honoroski for "The Beach," Natalie Voigt for "Mushrooms," Flynn Kramer for "Bluebird Painting," Jolie Malo for "Silly Cityscape," Rose Hoffman for "A Home Under the Dancing Sky" and Brianna Gratton for "Where it Began."
“I think the whole point is just to have some fun with the youth and see what they're capable of. As you look around, you’ll see the talent is amazing,” Rob Rongve said to the News-Optimist.
“We’re excited about it, just to see that it’s carrying on. We missed one in 2020 due to COVID-19, and there were not as many entries as last year, but I think their quality is just fantastic this year, so we’re really excited.”
The Hazee Awards exhibition will be displayed at the Chapel Gallery until May 14.
