11 July 2025, Issue 1268
Calling young artists! Budding young artists across the Bay of Plenty are invited to take part in the 2025 Acorn Foundation Junior Art Awards, which are now open for entries. Presented by Tauranga Art Gallery, the biennial awards celebrate the creativity of tamariki (children) aged four to 14, with this year’s
theme: ‘The Future Is… / Ko… te anamata’. Entry is free, and submissions close August 15. Finalists’ artworks will be exhibited at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre from September 13-20, with an awards ceremony taking place on September 12. For Whakamārama artist Maggie Harlan,
pictured, aged nine, it’s her first time entering. Inspired by the birds around her rural home, her work features owls and pīwakawaka (fantails). “I like to draw nature and animals,” said Maggie. “My entry has three birds, lots of scribbles and mark makings.” “We would love entries to come in from our
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wonderful young Bay of Plenty artists,” said Tauranga Art Gallery experience manager Hannah Wynn. “The theme encourages tamariki to imagine the future in all its forms. Imaginations can run wild.” Enter now at: artgallery.org.nz/acornaward Find out more on page 6. Photo / Brydie Thompson