Art award finalist from Wainui

By Frank Neill

Wainuiomata High School student Ruby

Lasini has been selected as a finalist in this year’s IHC Art Awards.

The 15-year-old year 12 student is one of 30 finalists who have been selected from more than 1,200 entries.

Ruby’s outstanding artwork can be viewed on the “People’s Choice” IHC web site, https://www.ihc.org.nz/get-involved/artawards/art-awards-gallery-2023-vote.

People can vote for Ruby by visiting the above link. Voting closes at 5pm on Monday 31 July. People can vote for Ruby every 24 hours.

When asked his reaction to Ruby being named a finalist, her father Joe Lasini said: “We’re pretty rapt.”

However he was not surprised, as Ruby has been recognised as one of the best artists at Wainuiomata High School.

She has had a lot of her art recognised, albeit at a lower level, Joe says.

A couple of years ago she also won a local art competition.

“I speak highly of Ruby. She is good.

“She is very creative and she’s good at expressing herself.

“Even though she is an ADHD student in a special class, she is doing really well at art,” Joe says.

Along with her painting and drawing, Ruby also makes toys and makes figurines.

“When I saw her with one of the toys, I asked her where she had got it from, and she said: ‘I made it’,” Joe says.

As well as performing highly as an artist, Ruby is also an outstanding sportswoman.

In May this year Ruby finished second in the Wellington Regional Schools Cross Country Championships.

Her second placing came in the 2km para athletes girls’ race, leading Wainuiomata High School to victory in the teams event.

The three essentials in my fridge are beer, a cold glass for it to go in, and white wine. Why? Rhetorical question really....

The first thing I always have is milk as I can’t drink black coffee. Next most important - butter and cheese. I totally ADORE cheese and couldn’t live without it and butter is used for many things, so I find it essential!

1. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables for the children’s school lunches,

2. A bottle of bubbles in case a friend stops by,

3. A stash of chocolate for an afternoon sugar fix.

Chris Bishop