There were a number of entries in the 5-13 age category, which was predominantly made up of local students. Photo / Lewis Gardner
There were a number of entries in the 5-13 age category, which was predominantly made up of local students. Photo / Lewis Gardner
The Rangitīkei town of Mangaweka was abuzz on Saturday, as hundreds poured in for one of the village's busiest days of the year.
During the Mangaweka Fakes and Forgeries festival the town pulls out all the stops for visitors, from garage sales to bookstalls, through to the main attraction ofthe day - the forgery competition itself.
The premise of the competition is essentially a game of copycat; artists from across the country do their best to impersonate some of the most famous works of art recognised across the globe.
The event was founded as a tribute to Karl Sim - a legendary art forger who hailed from Mangaweka.
Sim, who sold forged art he painted himself from an antique store in Foxton, remains the only New Zealander ever to be convicted of art forgery.
He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service in 1985.
The event in Mangaweka on Saturday, one of the few large events to take place in the country over recent months, saw the town roll out the red carpet for visitors.
Five-year-old Tia Player purchased a book from the town's book stall. Photo / Lewis Gardner
Organiser Richard Aslett said the whole town got behind the event - organising market stalls, garage sales and a book fair.
"It was a great turnout of people, and the fact we had different events at different locations, we could keep the social distancing thing going.
"We also got the weather - it was a perfect day."
Yellow Church Gallery owner and Fakes and Forgeries organiser Richard Aslett congratulates second-place winner Kim Rees. Photo / Lewis Gardner
When it came to the art itself, Aslett said every piece had its qualities.
"They're all different in their own way. You get different pieces, subject matters and artists.
A socially distanced crowd attended the event on Saturday - following all relevant Covid-19 precautions. Photo / Lewis Gardner
"There was one there that was a consistent star, which went on to win in the end."
Mary and Bill Clarke were on hand to serve up some sweet treats. Photo / Lewis Gardner
That piece was a take on Van Gogh's Sunflowers, by Whanganui artist Willow.
The under-16 category saw Bailee Dorrian take home first prize also for a rendition of a Van Gogh piece, turning Starry Night into Starry Night over the Rangitīkei.
• The Fakes and Forgeries Exhibition continues at Mangaweka's Yellow Church Gallery until November 27.
