JENS HANSEN TO SPONSOR EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR NMIT ARTS STUDENT

The Motueka-Golden Bay News November 13, 2008

Renowned local jewellers Jens Hansen Gold
& Silversmith will sponsor an 'Award of
Excellence' for the top NMIT arts student
this year. The award winner for 2008 will
be announced at the opening of the NMIT
student art exhibition at the Suter Art Gallery
on November 14.

For the past 40 years Jens Hansen has been
synonymous with Nelson's creative industry
and NMIT. Creatively Jens was regarded as a
genius. He was an acclaimed painter, sculptor,
and gold and silversmith, bringing. a unique
style of artistry to Nelson's creative core.

Over the past four decades, Jens Hansen has
become recognised the world over for classically
designed jewellery with true spirit and timeless
style, with works celebrated in the Museum of
New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa's permanent
collection and in literature showcasing New
Zealand art and design. As with all that is
excellent, his designs continue to endure over
the years and defy fashion, as seen in the
recently released 40th Anniversary Collection
of legacy jewellery pieces.

Jens Hansen was eternally passionate about
his craft and was keen to ensure its survival,
both as a hobby for some and as a commercial
reality for others. He ran summer art and
metal work classes at NMIT for many years in
the 1970s and 1980s, and with fellow jeweller
Gavin Hitchings helped to establish NMIT's
jewellery classes which remain popular today.

NMIT head of school for arts and media Suzie
Peacock said the institute was honoured that
Jens Hansen was sponsoring the excellence
award.

"We've had along association with the Hansen
family and Jens Hansen is seen as an icon of
quality design in Nelson. It's a brand that
stands for good design, beautiful handcrafting
and the Nelson region. We are very proud to
have their company sponsoring this award."

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