Art Expo and Supreme Award September 2025

The 2025 TSA Art Expo overcame the challenges of a last-minute venue change, which required significant additional work and expense for the organisers. Despite these hurdles, the new location at Tauranga Intermediate School was very well received by visitors, who praised the setting and atmosphere.

The Expo opened with a Gala Evening, where the guests who braved the poor weather, enjoyed a celebration accompanied by canapés and bubbles. The big highlight was the Jensen Supreme Art Award 2025 – three judges shortlisted 30 finalists, and guest judge Liz Cooper awarded the top honour at the Gala, to Vicki Fraser.

Over the four open days, the event drew strong attendance, and visitors enjoyed viewing the 525 artworks on display that were created by 93 artists. They cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award which was won by Shona Mackenzie.

Thank you to everyone – artists, volunteers, organisers, and supporters – who helped make this event possible.

WINNER OF THE 2025 JENSEN SUPREME ART AWARD: VICKI FRASER 'IN HIS WORLD'

RUNNER UP OF THE 2025 SUPREME ART AWARD: DOMINIQUE ADCOCK 'REAL ESTATE'

MERIT AWARD - DEBBIE TIPUNA

'SLEEP PATTERNS OF A WARRIOR ARTIST'

MERIT WARD - LEONIE JOHNSEN

'EARLY MORNING AT THE FARM'

MERIT AWARD - ABIGAIL PERANO

'FINDING THE WAY'

MERIT AWARD - EMMA DAVIE

'THERE ONCE WAS A RIVER'

MERIT AWARD - SHONA MACKENZIE

'STILL THE SILENCE GLOWS'

PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD

First Place: Shona Mackenzie with 'Still the Silence Glows'

Second Place: Bernadette Ballantyne with 'Stubbon Remedy'

Third place: Ruth Kenyon-Slade with 'Carefree Days'

Fourth equal: Robin Purllant with 'Arawhata Bill' and Deb Clarke with 'White Majesty'

Winner of the painting kindly donated by Kent Bassett – Simon Kent