Wintec makes its mark on the New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award

Artist and tutor, Tim Croucher at work in Wintec School of Media Arts' studios.

Stamping their mark on the art world, Wintec staff, students and graduates have all been selected as finalists in the 2018 New Zealand Painting and Printmaking Award (NZPPA).

The national art award, which offers one of New Zealand’s largest cash prizes, attracted an impressive 263 entries from across the country. Forty six of these were chosen as finalists and four of these have a Wintec connection. 

Tim Croucher, Head of Painting and Sculpture for Wintec’s School of Media Arts, has been nominated for the award for the second time.

“I’m really pleased to be nominated for this award and am also proud that Wintec students and graduates feature as finalists every year. Taking part in awards like the NZPPA helps to develop an audience for our work and connect with other artists and collectors/buyers. It’s also about being part of the art community,” he says.

Tim paints expressionistic landscapes that mix imaginary and historical scenes. He has been exhibiting his work nationally and internationally for 20 years and has worked at Wintec for 25 years.

He has also taught all of his fellow Wintec finalists which include Wintec honours students Rachel Hope Peary and Julia Christey as well as Wintec graduate Cara Fotofili.

Now in its 18th year, this nationally significant art award was established, and is hosted, by the Waikato Society of Arts. The $20,000 prize is sponsored by the Philip Vela Family Trust who also purchase the winning artwork for their collection.

The winner will be announced at an awards evening at Hamilton Gardens on February 15. Following the awards evening, an exhibition featuring all the finalists’ artwork will be open to the public as part of the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival until February 18. 

Read more on the award and the full list of finalists here.
Find out more about studying art at Wintec's School of Media Arts here.


Rachel Hope Peary,  Wintec honours student and finalist in this year's National Painting and Printmaking Award.