Student Photo Exhibition

This morning I painted my toenails in preparation for the Tauranga Arts Fest in between putting on a skirt and fixing my hair. The festival’s starting tomorrow and there was no way I was going to get away with ugly nails if I happened to be wearing cute peep toes. Now I’m really ready.

Tonight was the Student Photo Exhibition opening and prize-giving at Baycourt. This was an opportunity for local students from 10 to 18 years to enter and showcase their talents, along with being the entree to the main course of World Press Photo Exhibition.

I arrived with my colleague, Jolene, as the category winners were being awarded. Squeals of delight rung out as only teenage girls can provide. Sneaky hugs and kisses were gifted from loving parents. It was all quite heart-warming. And some names were awarded multiple times.

Upon the closing speeches, disappointed students quietly left empty-handed. It’s a hard life lesson to learn as my heart cracked a little, but we all can’t win. If only we could. Then we’d have a Rugby World Celebration of everyone who plays.

The supreme winner was very deserving with a striking yet secretive image connecting with you as you enter Baycourt’s doors. The exhibition is of a great calibre, allowing you to quickly forget that you’re amid a collection that is essentially by children.

There were some yummy treats too. I did not indulge, as I had my first game of touch for the season to play and I didn’t want to fertilise the field with sausage roll. The salmon and cream cheese triangle club sandwiches got the thumbs up from Jolene. I have a sneaking suspicion that the same caters will also be providing food at the Pacific Crystal Palace. Lucky me!

I was also given my Access All Areas pass to the Tauranga Arts Fest. It’s laminated with ‘Official Festival Blogger’ on the back and a little star. I get a star! Jolene reckons with an ‘Access All Areas’ pass, that I’d be able to go into the men’s dressing rooms. Hmmm.... I don’t think my blogs need to come with that much intricate detail, but I could test it out to see where it will take me.

The Student Photo Exhibition is on now until the 30^th October at Baycourt. Admission is free!