Teenagers Join Cafe Set!

Tuesday May 25, 2004

Teenagers Join Cafe Set!

Starbucks patrons will soon sip their coffee out of mugs and tumblers adorned in artwork created by two talented young New Zealanders.

Designs from Lauren Watson of Howick College in Auckland and Taryn Bell of Sacred Heart College in Lower Hutt depicting interpretations of Pasifika and youth have been selected as the winners of the Starbucks/Youthline Art Competition. The competition was created by Starbucks to encourage creativity in New Zealand young people and attracted over 50 entries from around the country. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the mugs and tumblers will go to Youthline.

Starbucks, an international coffee house is part of the New Zealand landscape and New Zealand General Manager Aasha Murthy, said they are always looking for local opportunities to help people.

"Young people meet at Starbucks and Youthline is about supporting and developing youth. This art competition is a way of rewarding young talented people and at the same time helping Youthline," says Murthy.

Popular youth radio presenter Bomber from Channel Z, who is also a Youthline trustee, was called in to give his perspective on the artworks. He was impressed by the array of talent and creativity shown in the entries.

"The winners made bold, strong statements with their art. I loved both pieces and was impressed by their maturity," says Bomber.

New Zealand artist Billy Apple was pleased to accept the invitation to select his favourite entries, based on the design brief, and was excited to see the young peoples perspective on the theme.

"As an artist it is encouraging to see aspiring young talent being rewarded. A competition like this one provides an exciting opportunity for young designers and artists," says Apple.

The special mug and tumbler will be sold in Starbucks stores throughout New Zealand later this year, with a percentage of the profits going directly to Youthline.

ENDS

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