The 2024 Hazee Award winner, "A Sakura's Tale" by Chloe Angeli Baculi, Grade 11, showing a Sakura - a cherry blossom tree, which became a symbol of hope because it bloomed every spring, "showing that life can continue even during tough times," according to the piece. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

5th annual event

Youth show talent at 2024 Hazee art competition

May 3, 2024 | 2:00 PM

It was an exciting time at this year’s Hazee Awards at the Chapel Gallery Thursday night.

Many talented youth were awarded for their entries in this year’s competition, focusing on the theme of “Hope.”

About 41 pieces were entered in the annual event, now in its fifth year. Participants ranged from age six to 20.

Rob Rongve, who organized the awards with his wife Nora, said he was glad to see a good showing from the youth.

“The number of entries has been very good,” he said. “The quality is very good. We’ve had a lot of first-time artists enter, which is always kind of a gem to get people to try out painting, and doing some art. So, we’re very thrilled.”

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Award winner Seonghwan Mun, Grade 8, shown with his piece “Last Hope, an acrylic on canvas work. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

Curator and manager of galleries for the City of North Battleford Leah Garven said she was pleased with the success of the year show.

“It’s such a delight every year to welcome the student art into the gallery,” she said. “I’m really very proud we made this journey, so far. It’s amazing we’re already celebrating the fifth anniversary.”

She noted the theme for the show was “hope for the world and hope for our community.”

The organizers thought this was a fitting theme as it can be a difficult time for youth right now, with so much uncertainty and confusion in the world, after coming through the pandemic.

“[They] thought the kids are maybe a bit introspective about being hopeful,” Garven said.

Arielle Degunio, Grade 11, with her piece “A Reflection of Hope.” (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Here is the list of top winners for the Hazee Award.

Hazee Award, $500, to Chloe Baculi for “A Sakara’s Tale.”

Runner up, $300, to Seonghwan Mun for “Last Hope.”

Artistic Achievement, $100, to Akeira Anseth for “The Caron Home.”

Creative Excellence, $100, to Ariele Dengunio for “A Reflection of Hope.”

Honourable Mention, $50, to Emberlyn Scott for “Hopeful Future.”

Honourable Mention, $50, to Neveah Miller for “Hope.”

JUNIOR CATEGORY

First Place, $200, to Nova Hoffman for “The Sunset,”

Runner Up, $100, to Cory Wuttunee for “Saying Goodbye,”

Honourable Mention, $50, to Jaina Hemmerling for “Dancing Steps of Hope,”

Honourable Mention, $50, to Rose Hoffman for “Rainbow of Hope,”

Honourable Mention $50, to Riley Gardiner for “Fly High: Hope for Land.”

The Rob and Nora Rongve Family Fund initiated the Youth Art Competition in memory of their friend and local artist, Hazel “Hazee” Asmussen, who passed away over 10 years ago. They also provided cash prizes for the young Hazee award winners.

The exhibition runs until May 12.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow