The Blumhardt Foundation announces that the 2024 recipients of Dame Doreen’s Gift are contemporary jeweller Frances Stachl of Whanganui and contemporary weaver Annie Mackenzie of Torea Granity, Te Tai o Poutini, both of whom receive gifts of $10,000 from the Foundation.
Annie Mackenzie was awarded the gift on the strength of her exhibition ‘Genuine Article’ at the Sarjeant Gallery which featured intricate new woven works inspired by the paintings of Edith Collier and Joanna Margaret Paul, and the Whanganui Woollen Mills. Annie is an active maker that shows commitment to the history of craft in Aotearoa.
Frances Stachl (Ngāpuhi) was awarded the gift for dedication to her practice as a self-supporting working jeweller, which balances making with selling; her development as a maker, respect for material, acknowledging her heritage and being a great support to others in the sector.”
Annually Blumhardt Foundation Trustees present Gifts to encourage an establishing artist and a mid-career artist whose craft/object practices are outstanding and have garnered the admiration and respect of peers, sector leaders and institutions.