NZGBA – New Zealand Glass Bead Artists

I won the First Place prize this year in the annual Royal Easter art awards for the newly added Wearable Glass category.

While I am ecstatic about the win I also learnt some lessons from the show. The entry forms had to be in so early that I submitted what I thought I might make for the show. Life got crazy in between and by the time the deadline came about I could not remember what I was going to submit. I stupidly forgot to take a copy of the form and had sent the organisers my original so decided to wing it and send in a necklace and glass ring as that was all I could remember saying I was entering.

I entered one of my new Transient Treasure designs complimented with sterling silver and glass beads that I made and etched. the piece I must say was very engaging and gorgeous however I did not expect it to win so I don’t have any photos of it then of course through unfortuante circumstances the necklace sold so I have no record of it.

Lessons learnt:

1. Always take a copy of your form before submitting
2. Don’t deviate from the orignal design you were intending on submitting
3. Always get a decent photo for marketing purposes
4. Let the local neswpaper know you are inteniding to enter, and the let them know when you’ve won

Feedback from the show

First off we would like to thank the members who particiapted not only in the wearable glass category but also in manning the NZSAG stand. The previous year we had a lot of trouble securing artists interests to man the stand and ended up with some artists being on the stand alone for the full day. We were concerned this would happen again in 2010 and as the artist who volunteered in 2009 were away for easter we thought NZGBA would get little to no participation from members and elected to not be present at the show. Upon NZSAG request for assistance with the stand we had an overwhelming response and were amazed that this year the participation was so eager. I’m guessing it was due to there being a category for Wearable glass. Next year the NZGBA will be taking a stand at the show and will be looking at having live torch sessions through the four days so we can educate public on the value of our work as well as being in support of the Wearable glass section.

This year Wearable glass was excluded from the awards evening so with our full involvement we will be certain to present at the awards evening again to show people how our glass designs are formed.

We were also wondering how the judging was done as to be honest I am surprised my piece won at all, there were far more worthy designs on show that should have been first place. Perhaps next year we can put together a judging criteria so the judges know what they are looking at, again supporting the education of the general public

does anyone have any additional thoughts for the new commitee? so we can table them at the AGM…