Mangaweka FAKES & FORGERIES  2025 THE WINNERS ARE HERE!! 

Mangaweka Mega and Fakes & Forgeries Exhibition 2025 NEWS STORY & PHOTO's - PLUS ALL the WINNERS LIST!!

Large numbers of Art & Music Lovers and Pre-Xmas Bargain Hunters converged on the scenic township of Mangaweka this Labour Weekend, chiefly on the opening day of Fakes & Forgeries, which coincided with the yearly Mangaweka Mega town-wide events on Saturday 25^th October. A welcome break in the recent stormy weather saw a slightly overcast yet very settled day, bringing hundreds of people to enjoy the Mangaweka Mega Markets, Book Fair, Garage & Car-boot sales. Another big drawcard was the combined Districts Schools Fakes & Forgeries Art Exhibition, held in the town hall, which this time attracted over 200 inspiring entries, from many of the areas schools (see winners list below).

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LIVE Music was provided with some solo busking by Wayne Ross, followed by a duo performance of Wayne & Misty, was a more-gentle prelude to a full rock band performance of classic hits by the Mangaweka Mega Music Machine, who all between them all kept the crowd's feet tapping and well entertained throughout the day of festivities.

16years + Under Section winner creates amazing "Girl with a pearl Earring!"

The Adults and 16 years & under Fakes & Forgeries exhibitions opened at 10am for public viewing at the ‘Yellow Church’ Gallery on SH1, seeing a steady stream of people enjoying over 80 paintings and 3D artworks, inspired by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Banksy and others, as well as some remakes of Colin McMahon’s and Rita Angus, to name but a few.

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At 1pm organiser Richard Aslett welcomed a standing room only crowd that had gathered in the ‘Yellow Church’ Gallery for the Mangaweka FAKES & FORGERIES 2025 awards presentations. First up were the 16 years and under winners. Gold was claimed by 15 year-old Madison Riley-Hathaway, with a stunning interpretation of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, titled "Who is She?"- A delighted Madison was there to accept her certificate (pic attached) to much warm and confirming clapping and applause!!

Next up was Adult BRONZE/Merit winner Rachael Young -

with the first of two BRONZE/Merit Awards, who was also there to receive her certificate for her Monet inspired Giverny Garden photo-artwork interpretation, which was beautifully presented and had all the judges tricked, thinking it was actually a painting. Turns out it was a very artistically (non AI) created photographic image. Either way it is a most glorious professional and enchanting piece, that would look good on any wall!

(A $100 deposit would secure this, with the $200 balance paid on collection at the end of the exhibition on 30th November).

The second Adult BRONZE/Merit winner (there being two) was claimed by Linda Armitage from Auckland, who created a very intricate versions of The Goldfinch - Inspired by Dutch artist Carel Fabritius last work ‘ The Goldfinch ‘ in 1654. This delightful Acrylic Artwork sized at 40x30cm is again available at a very reasonable $350.oo (please scroll down further to see image - Thanks)

SILVER ‘With a Twist’ was scooped by local icon, historian, and now confirmed and recognised Award Winning Artist, Alison Dorrian!

Alison created a brilliant take on a Picasso, yet patiently created this masterpiece in colourful fabrics. Titled 'Picaso Stitched' this was a favorite of the judges from the offset. Its vibrant colours and fun 'Picaso Eyes' make it a can't be missed piece. Currently on offer at a CrAzY $150, a $50 deposit would secure this marvelous creation for your Office, Living Room or Bedroom Wall. Contact us NOW! Ph/Txt 027 52 66 612 or e-mail; mangawekagallery@xtra.co.nz - First in Best Dressed!!

The second SILVER was claimed by a most amazing "Exact Copy" - this truly is a "Classic Piece" with a lot of work, thought and emotion put into it. Titled "Two Woman at a Window" and inspired by Bartolome Esteban Murillo. Created by Artist Louise Billinghurst, this large 125cm x 104cm Oil on Canvas (unstretched) impressive work is for sale at $1500 yet worth every cent! Scroll down for more info and image/s etc- Thanks

The best overall GOLD award went to Feilding artist Robyn Parkinson

for her very intricate reproduction of an ancient Tang Dynasty Horse in Brass. Robyn explained her clever creative technique to the crowd on how she fashioned the spectacular artwork, before yet another massive round of accepting applause. This was the piece that truly captivated the judges. Indeed organiser, resident artist and Mangaweka "Yellow Church' gallery owner Richard Aslett announced from the stage (made up of two speaker monitors!) that this was the one that kept demanding second, third, forth and onwards looks of amazement. This piece WAS for sale yet has since been secured by a wise buyer. Too late for this one, yet keep a look out here for other PLUS selected pieces that will be going up on Trade-Me later this week!

Well done Robyn Parkinson!! Good as GOLD! (or even Good as Goldie!! AKA Karl Sim).

Finally a spot-prize draw for attending Artists was drawn and won by Connor Sinclair, who had entered a take on Edvard Munch’s Scream with “Screaming Reptile”. Following all this, the crowd gradually filtered across the road to the Museum grounds, to catch the last songs of the live music and also wonder around to grab some last-minute pre-Christmas bargains at the markets and stalls dotted around Mangaweka township.

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As things quietened down around 5pm Richard (rather wearily!) commented, “Well. What a fantastic turn out, with yet again many magnificent artworks created, both by the Adults, 16years and under, plus those in the huge exhibition by the schools down at the town hall.

I would like to thank all that helped, participated or attended to make this Fakes & Forgeries yet another amazing success in 2025. Thank you”.

The current Adult and 16 years & Under Fakes & Forgeries exhibition runs at the Yellow Church Gallery on SH1, right through till Sunday 30^th of November, when there will also be a special closing of exhibition event, with more live music and entertainment for those attending. Visit www.mangawekagallery.com or phone Richard Aslett on 027 52 66 612 for more details.

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Extra thanks Marie Frost (for the open home 6360 State Highway 1 | Mangaweka | Rangitikei | Houses for Sale - OneRoof) PJ/Phil, Micheal U and Michelle F and especially to Michael Cathels for the Photos and for going way beyond the call of duty to get this exhibition up and going and on the road! Mucha's gracias Amigos.