Strong Voices

Four exceptional works by three prize-winning IHC Art Awards artists have been selected to showcase a limited edition run of AF Drinks’ 31-pack of non-alcoholic cocktails.

The designs feature work from artists Jordan Chow, Michael Nathan and Cherie Mellsopp. The artists were paid for each of their artworks and, for every pack sold, AF Drinks will donate $20 to support artists through the Art Awards.

Much of Jordan’s art is influenced by a passion for animals as well as a methodical, focused approach to his work. Two of his paintings, Donkey and Zebra, feature on the AF Drinks packaging. Zebra was a top 30 finalist in 2019 and another of Jordan’s paintings, Donkey and Brachiosaurus, won first place in the 2013 Art Awards.

Cherie, who works out of the Sandz Studio in Hamilton, has been entering the Art Awards since the early days of the competition. She won first prize in 2009 but it was her entry from a decade later, the detailed and delicate Mesh, that was picked for the AF Drinks collection.

Michael, from Auckland, painted the fourth work chosen to feature. Infinity Part 1 is an intricate painting that, he says, is like a never-ending story. He has taken a break from his art in recent years but is likely to pick up the brush again.

The collaboration was the initiative of IHC Patron and Art Awards Ambassador Dame Denise L’Estrange-Corbet. Dame Denise says it’s a perfect match for IHC and she’s grateful for the forward-thinking approach of the Auckland-based company which is helping a community of talented artists.

AF Drinks founder Lisa King says that creativity is at the heart of what AF Drinks does. “To work with and raise awareness of these inspirational artists with IHC is such a fantastic opportunity and one we’re proud to support.”

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