Carol Schofield was a gentle, kind and creative soul who was taken from her family and friends too soon following a short illness aged 49.  She formed a hub that friends, family, customers (both artists and gallery owners) circled around.

Carol was born in Napier and spent her early childhood there.  Her parents moved to Auckland to allow her to attend secondary school, firstly at Kristen and then at Rangitoto College.

Art, photography and creativity were central to her studies. On finishing school, she took an apprenticeship as a picture framer and, at 21 she became the owner of framing business, Sharp Frames.  With a strong reputation of being able to recommend the right frame to make artwork shine and her quality work, she became the framer of choice for many Auckland gallerists and artists.

Art work by Carol Schofield

She was passionate about local artworks.  She was a regular attending at Auckland theatre, film and writers festivals, she supported New Zealand fashion designers and the walls of her home were covered with local artworks.  Carol knew the challenges faced by local artists to make a living from their work.

Carol had a generosity of spirit – every call from a charity received a donation; coffee, tea, glasses of wine, lunches with friends and customers on the back deck were regular events; and the odd homeless person dropped in for a shower and a bed for the night.  It is with this spirit, and the understanding of the challenges that up-and-coming artists face, that the Women in Fine Arts Award is offered in Carol’s memory.

For information on eligibility for this award and how to apply, click here