Young artists capture the spirit of giving

We’re delighted to announce the winners of our recent Art & Design Competition.

Local artist, Dee Copeland, judged the entries and loved seeing how everyone interpreted the theme "Giving". "The entries were thoughtful, creative, and beautifully expressed the theme of generosity and community spirit."

First place went to Lilya Cochrane from Mount Aspiring College for her work"Always look for the good".

"In my eyes, my piece represents ‘giving’ because the people that give back to the community have big hearts. They’re the dreamers, the people that see the good in everything and think about how they can make a difference. They’re the ones that can make a difference. As you said, it’s your 25th anniversary of giving back to the community and growth – like how the tree is growing out of the heart represents the people that give back to the community, as they have big hearts. They’re the ones that make the community grow and flourish, just like the tree. They’re the ones that make a difference."

The message I hope this conveys to the world is: ‘Always look for the good in things, think about how you can make a difference.’

Lilya’s artwork will be featured on a commemorative tea towel celebrating CLT’s upcoming 25th anniversary and will also appear in the Trust’s next Annual Report.

Second place was awarded to Juno Kollār from Cromwell College, who also received the People’s Choice Award for her artwork, A community of giving.

“The story of my art is about our community and everything it offers us. The mountains represent the environment and the outdoor activities we have. The sun represents our fabulous weather. The grapes and wine represent our horticulture and agriculture industry.The heart represents our loving community. The hands represent the generosity of our diverse community in all aspects of life."

I hope this painting portrays the generosity and aroha that the Central Lakes Trust represents.

Third place went to Makayla Schwendemann from Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau for her piece “Giving Kindness.”

“I was inspired by the idea that even the smallest act of kindness can be powerful and magical. I chose dragons because they are usually fierce, but in this piece they show gentleness, reminding us that everyone has the ability to give love and kindness. I decided to make the western dragon hand the heart to the eastern dragon because we people need to be kind to others who are different from us."

My hope is that this piece shows how kindness can transform and connect us, even in unexpected ways – and that it encourages others to also give from the heart.

Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to everyone who entered. Your creativity and thoughtfulness remind us just how much heart there is in our community.

Dee Copeland with the three prize winners. From left to right: Makayla Schwendemann (third), Lilya Cochrane (first), and Juno Kōllar (second and people's choice)