Talented Judges Announced for 2003 Montana WOW® Awards
A double Oscar winner, a corrugated iron sculptor, an internationally recognised fashion designer and a renowned Nelson artist will judge this year’s Montana World of WearableArt™ Awards.
Entries have come in from all over the world for the icon event, which will showcase in Nelson for six nights in September. This weekend the judges will decide which garments make it to the catwalk of the Montana WOW Awards.
Joining show creator, Suzie Moncrieff on this year’s judging panel, is WETA’s Richard Taylor. Richard is a Director of both WETA Digital and WETA Workshop. Both organisations are acclaimed for their involvement in the design, fabrication, onset operation and visual effects of the epic film trilogy - Lord of the Rings.
Mr Taylor will not be involved in this weekend’s selections, but will join the Judges in August and then again in September to view the garments in full flight on the catwalk This is when the Judge’s make their final selection.
Joining Richard is Auckland based renowned sculptor, Jeff Thomson. Jeff’s artwork spans two decades and includes rhinos, roofs, elephants, birds, and the famous 1973 HQ Holden which is housed in Te Papa. Jeff exhibits internationally on a regular basis and spends much of his time working on shows and commissions. Public commission works include a gigantic Gumboot in Taihape and ‘Shells’ on Lambton Quay Wellington. Fashion designer Trelise Cooper is the woman behind the internationally renowned New Zealand fashion label which bears her name. Since starting her own label in 1998, Trelise now has shops in Parnell and Princes Wharf in Auckland and Hawkesburn Village in Melbourne as well as customers from all around the world.
Prominent Nelson artist Sally Burton is again the resident Judge. A working artist, Sally has been the Awards resident judge for the past four years.
After 15 years of Montana WOW® Awards, the quality of entries continues to rise and the exceptional standard of work this year is expected to make the Judges decisions even more difficult. With a prize pool of around NZ$70,000, the Montana WOW® Award’s are one of the biggest art events in the country, and 2003 has again attracted entries from not only within New Zealand, but also Australia, Asia the UK and US.
* Note to local media – there will be an opportunity to meet with Judges on Sunday 13 July at 12:30 – 1:00pm at WOW & Collectable Cars Quarantine Road - NELSON
