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Have artistic flair but not sure what to do with it? Want to be involved in the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival?

Fear not, the festival team has you covered, with a not-to-be-missed opportunity.

Fledgling artists are being encouraged to apply to be one of a dozen selected emerging artists who will receive free tuition before the November 19-22 festival. They will enjoy two full days with Tauranga artist and festival supporter Rob McGregor.

Those interested have until April 15 to lodge their interest at: www.gardenandartfestival.co.nz – go to “Register your interest – Emerging Artist Award”.

Festival director Marc Anderson said the intention of The Weekend Sun Emerging Artists component of the festival was to encourage would-be artists to develop their skills, or to prompt existing, non-professional artists to take their work to the next level.

“It will provide a platform from which non-professional artists, or would-be artists, can improve. It’s about learning, gaining confidence, and artistic exposure,” Anderson said.

One piece by each of the programme’s emerging artists would be displayed at the festival gallery, at Bloom in the Bay sponsored by Craigs Investment Partners, during the festival. From those, one artist will be named the winner and receive a cash prize and entry to exhibit as a festival artist in the 2028 event.

Most emerging artists are expected to use canvas as their medium, but carvers and sculptors were also invited to apply, Anderson said. Artists do not need to reside in the Bay of Plenty. Bayleys returns as the festival’s principal partner.