Large numbers of Art, Music and Bargain lovers converged on the township of Mangaweka this Labour Weekend, chiefly on the opening day of Fakes & Forgeries, which coincided with the yearly Mangaweka Mega town-wide events on Saturday 25th October. A welcome break in the recent stormy weather saw a slightly overcast yet very settled day, bringing hundreds of people to enjoy the Mangaweka Mega Markets, Book Fair, Garage & Car-boot sales. Another big drawcard was the combined districts schools Fakes & Forgeries art exhibition, held in the town hall, which this time attracted over 200 inspiring entries, from many of the areas schools (see winners list below).
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Solo busking by Wayne Ross, followed by a duo performance of Wayne & Misty, was a more gentle prelude to a full rock band performance of classic hits by the Mangaweka Mega Music Machine, who all between them all kept the crowds well entertained throughout the day of festivities.
“Yellow Church” Gallery owner & Fakes & Forgeries organiser Richard Aslett presents 16 years and Under Gold winner Madison Riley-Hathaway (Paraparaumu) with her winning certificate for her Girl with a Pearl Earring inspired winning artwork
The Adults and 16 years & under Fakes & Forgeries exhibition opened at 10am for public viewing at the ‘Yellow Church’ Gallery on SH1, seeing a steady stream of people enjoying over 80 paintings and 3D artworks, inspired by Van Gogh, Cézanne, Banksy and others, as well as some remakes of Colin McMahon’s and Rita Angus, to name but a few.
At 1pm organiser Richard Aslett welcomed a standing room only crowd that had gathered in the ‘Yellow Church’ Gallery for the awards presentations. First up were the 16 years and under winners. Gold was claimed by 15 year old Madison Riley-Hathaway, with a stunning interpretation of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, who was there to accept her certificate (pic attached)
“Yellow Church” Gallery owner & Fakes & Forgeries organiser Richard Aslett presents Adults Bronze winner Rachael Young (Feilding) with her winning certificate for her Monet inspired Giverny Garden artistically manipulated photograph of the Gardens
Adult Bronze/Merit winner Rachael Young was also there to receive her certificate for her Monet inspired Giverny Garden photo-artwork interpretation (picture attached). Silver ‘with a twist’ was scooped by local historian and now recognised artist Alison Dorrian, with a brilliant take on Picasso yet created in colourful fabrics. The best overall Gold award went to Feilding artist Robyn Parkinson for her very intricate reproduction of an ancient Tang Dynasty Horse in Brass. Robyn explained her clever creative technique to the crowd on how she fashioned the spectacular artwork, before yet another massive round of accepting applause.
“Yellow Church” Gallery owner & Fakes & Forgeries organiser Richard Aslett presents Adults Gold winner Robyn Parkinson (Feilding) with her winning certificate for her ‘Tang Dynasty Horse’ inspired 3D horse sculpture
Finally a spot-prize draw for attending Artists was drawn and won by Connor Sinclair, who had entered a take on Edvard Munch’s Scream with “Screaming Reptile”. Following all this the crowd gradually filtered across the road to the Museum grounds, to catch the end of the live music and grab some last minute bargains at the markets around town.
“Yellow Church” Gallery owner & Fakes & Forgeries organiser Richard Aslett presents Adults Silver winner Alison Dorrian (Mangaweka) with her winning certificate for her ‘Pablo Picasso’ inspired ‘Eyes’ fabric artwork
There had been some concern as to whether the event would take place this year, with the Church building containing the Gallery and separate living accommodation next door being on the market, yet organiser Richard Aslett has assured all entrants that the exhibition will run its course “Yes after nineteen years here I am thinking of a move, yet am in no rush. It has to be the right offer as I would really like to see the Gallery & Cottage go to someone who will continue in a similar vein. Something creative. It is ideal for a resident artist, with a huge passing customer base right outside your door on State Highway One”
Richard continued “This exhibition has proven that with a huge and fantastic turn out, with yet again many magnificent artworks created, both by the Adults, 16years and under, plus those in the huge exhibition by the schools down at the town hall. I would like to thank all that helped, participated or attended to make this Fakes & Forgeries yet another amazing success in 2025. Thank you”.
The current Adult and 16 years & Under Fakes & Forgeries exhibition runs at the Yellow Church Gallery on SH1, right through till Sunday 30th of November, when there will also be a special closing of exhibition event, with more live music and entertainment for those attending. Visit www.mangawekagallery.com or phone Richard Aslett on 027 52 66 612 for more details.
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