Artist and painter Sandy Adsett (Ngāti Kahungunu) has just been selected by the Arts Foundation as an icon of New Zealand art "...for his profound impact on the Māori community and Māori arts education system within Aotearoa."
With experience in carving, weaving, costume and stage design, Dr Adsett joins his friends Ralph Hotere, Cliff Whiting, Fred Graham and Arnold Wilson who have been similarly honoured.
As well as his creative career the award also recognises his work as a teacher of some of Aotearoa's most talented Māori artists. Born in Wairoa, he is currently Adjunct Professor at Toimairangi, The Contemporary Maori Art School, at Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Hastings and maintains strong links with his old school, Te Aute College.
