This year Zart Art established The National Teacher-Artist Prize 2021 (NTAP) to reward teachers by celebrating the value and quality of their individual art practice.  They received an incredible 760 entries.  NTAP aspires to be one of the most important events on the art and education calendar - the only dedicated art prize for educators in the world.

Fifty artworks have been shortlisted. Acknowledged as one of the 50 finalists is our very own  Ms Kathy Grass.

Kathy runs our Art program and “We are so very proud of Kathy and the work she does at our school.  Our art program is second to none and the students love the opportunities that Kathy presents to creatively express themselves.  Kathy is a fine artist herself and she truly loves teaching art to the students. It is fitting that Kathy’s artwork has been recognised nationally.”

Kathy’s entry is entitled  #Homeiswheretheheartis and is a 3D needle felted artwork.

“To be selected as a Top 50 finalist out of 760 entries is a great honour for me as a teacher of art and a creator of artworks. I am passionate  about art in general but especially needle felting. To have my felting artwork selected and recognized in a mixed media art competition is very special as felting is often just thought of as a craft rather than an art” Kathy said.

The next phase of the competition  is to have all the 50 artworks placed on display for several weeks in a gallery in Melbourne. From these 50 artworks the Best in Show will be chosen as well as 7 State ‘Highly Commended’ awards. A ‘Peoples’ Choice winner’ Award will also be announced.  You can vote for our local artist, Ms Kathy Grass #Home is where the heart is, by going to The National Teacher-Artist Prize 2021 website.  Congratulations Kathy and good luck in the final.

Here is her work…