Michelle Clair has been named the winner of The Weekend Sun Emerging Artist Award for 2024, following a competitive selection process at the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival.

Earlier this year, the festival’s art committee selected 12 finalists, all of whom were given the opportunity to enhance their skills through two workshops leading up to the event.

The finalists showcased their work at Bloom in the Bay, the festival hub in downtown Tauranga, where judging took place last Saturday. The panel of judges included Paula Knight, Hollie Jones, Annie Hill, Marc Anderson, Rosalie Liddle Crawford, and Lynda Burch.

'Turkana', the 'sister' painting to 'Sawubona' which were both on display at the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival, painted by The Weekend Sun Emerging Artist Award 2024 winner Michelle Clair. Photo/Supplied.

Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Michelle Clair has a rich background in both photography and painting. She completed a three-year diploma in graphic design and photography before working as a studio photographer specialising in advertising and modelling portfolios. Over time, she transitioned to freelancing, focusing on landscape and portrait photography.

While living in Africa, Michelle began painting professionally, drawing inspiration from the stunning landscapes and wildlife around her. She held multiple solo and group exhibitions, first at InnerSpace Gallery in Harare, then at Zimbabwe House in London. She enjoyed several sell-out solo shows in Zimbabwe before relocating to New Zealand in 2001.

Michelle has lived in Christchurch and on the Banks Peninsula, where she worked as a photographer, painted commissioned works, and taught adult art classes in mixed media and acrylics at Risingholme Community Centre. In 2023 she moved to Tauranga.

The Weekend Sun editor Merle Cave with The Weekend Sun Emerging Artist Award 2024 winner Michelle Clair. Photo/Bob Tulloch.

Her artistic subjects range from NZ and African wildlife to portraits, using watercolour, gouache, colour pencils, and airbrush techniques. She is particularly known for her portrait commissions, specialising in children’s portraits. Michelle also pursues freelance photography and design work and is an associate member of the New Zealand Knife Makers Guild, where she scrimshaws custom-made knife handles for local artisans.

“We moved to Tauranga just over a year ago, and I wanted to get involved in the local art scene. The festival was the perfect opportunity to do that.”

Painting of a pūkeho family by The Weekend Sun Emerging Artist Award 2024 winner Michelle Clair. Photo/Supplied.

She also praised the workshop experience, noting how it helped foster friendships among the artists.

“Rob McGregor, our workshop mentor, was great. He has a real talent for bringing out the best in people and fosters your abilities.”

“This isn’t a beginner’s award,” said McGregor. “It’s for artists who may not yet have held their own exhibition or become fully established. It’s an opportunity for their work to be showcased to a wider audience at the festival.”

As part of her prize, Michelle will receive free entry as a trail artist for the 2026 festival.

'Sawubona', a painting by The Weekend Sun Emerging Artist Award 2024 winner Michelle Clair. Photo/Rosalie Liddle Crawford.