New Zealand artist, Marilyn Rea-Menzies has been announced as the winner of this year's Kate Derum Award for small tapestries.  

This award is open to Australian and international artists at any stage in their career for hand-woven tapestries with a maximum size of 30x30cm. 

Marilyn's intriguing tapestry 'Doll' was selected from a shortlist of 41 original works.  Awarded every two years, the Award continues to capture the attention of some of the world's most accomplished tapestry artists. 

This year 75 entries were received from 12 countries: United Kingdom, France, Latvia, Canada, Argentina, Hungary, Denmark, Mexico, India, United States, New Zealand and Australia. 

The judging panel comprised former Head of School, School of Art, Architecture and Design, University of SA, Professor Kay lawrence AM; Founding Director of Christchurch Art Gallery, Mr Tony Preston; and Head of Textiles, Australian National University. Canaberra, Ms Valerie Kirk.

The judges were excited to have the challenge in selecting a winner from the calibre of internationally acclaimed textile artists. 

In selecting Marilyn's work as the winner, the judges were impressed by the tapestry's profound visual impact and extraordinary technical artistry with an astonishing palette creating a tension between the precise andmeasured process of tapestry weaving with the immediachy of modern day digital imaging.  "The doll is often associated with the safety and comfort of childhood, but the intense colour relationships in Marilyn's tapestry also provoke a sense of unease" says Kirk. 

Generously supported by Susan Morgan and the Tapestry Foundation of Australia, the Kate Derum Award was created in honour of the former deputy Director of the Australian Tapestry Workshop, who passed away in 2008.   The judges also highly commended New Zealan artist, Sue Weir for her work 'Amongst the Folds'