21 February 2011

Artis Gallery congratulates Urenui painter John McLean on winning the Waikato Society of Arts NZ Painting and Printmaking Award for 2011.

Judge Warwick Brown selected John's painting Dinghy and Waka with Unstable Foreshore Structures from the works of 52 finalists.

Sponsored by the Philip Vela Family Trust, this lucrative Award attracts artists from throughout the country. Beginning with 2000 winner Gavin Hipkins, the event has served to springboard the careers of many now well-known artists. The exhibition of finalists’ work in the Pavilion, Hamilton Gardens, will run until March 20.

Collectors and admirers of John's work can look forward to his exhibition at Artis to be held in April.