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."