Media release

Well-known artist to launch 2014 Ruby Coast Arts Festival in Mapua

Once again the creative spirit truly comes alive in the Ruby Coast throughout November and this year the organisers of the annual Ruby Coast Arts Festival are delighted to welcome inspirational ceramic artist Christine Boswijk as speaker at the Festival Launch party at Mapua Hall on Thursday 30 October. Her presence will enhance the other launch activities including a silent auction, artists’ displays, workshop information and plenty of wine and nibbles. All are welcome.There is a small charge of $10 at the door.

In this popular festival, running the whole of the November, local artists and members of Ruby Coast Arts (RCA) join together to present an exciting variety of events including the innovative Window Art exhibition in Mapua, an Open Studios Weekend, an art exhibition and a series of hands-on creative workshops. There is something to suit everyone, including the exciting “added extras” of performing arts at The Playhouse and Jester House.

The Mapua village centre is transformed into a vibrant, street-based Window Art exhibition that kicks off at 6pm on the day of the launch with a “Walk & Talk”. Here, RCA Member Lynn Price leads a free tour of the exhibition around the village, showcasing the innovative way artists approach the art form, before finishing at the hall for the launch party. Trail maps are available from Mapua Library and participating venues.

••• RCA Members’ Open Studios during the first weekend of November, is when local artists open their doors to the public, allowing a peek into their private studio spaces up and down the Ruby Coast. You can pick up a trail map from The Naked Bun in Mapua and other local cafes and shops, as well as i-SITES at Nelson, Richmond and Motueka.

Also that weekend, SLICE, a solo exhibition by RCA member Lisa Chandler opens from 3pm to 6pm on 1 November at the Icon Gallery on Moutere Highway, featuring works based on the multi-layered spaces of Singapore.

The public can also learn something new at one of the creative workshops where local artists share their skills. These include tutorials on flax weaving, stone carving, botanical painting, encaustic wax techniques, portrait painting and etching, life drawing and abstract painting. View the full programme at www.rubycoastarts.co.nz/workshops.

Performing Arts will also play a significant part in the festival this year. Don't miss one of New Zealand's best artists when The Playhouse presents Lawrence Arabia on Friday 7 November, where legendary Silver Scroll-winning producer and songwriter James Milnes performs his pop / folk-rock / psychedelic sound as 'new old fashioned pop music'. This is followed the next Thursday by The New Zealand Guitar Quartet, presented by Arts on Tour NZ, also at The Playhouse. Call 540 2985 for more details and bookings.

On Friday 14 November Mark Raffills hosts a Poems and Tunes night at Jester House featuring eight local poets of note, with music from Derek Macleod. The next day features Mindspaces – the Artist’s Studio; a documentary film by Dennis O’Connor, in Mapua Hall - Bill Marris Room. This documentary goes behind the scenes of famous artists' studios and you will get a chance to meet the director.

The Community Art Exhibition, to be held on the weekend of 15 and 16 November, also at Mapua Hall, gives emerging local artists the opportunity to introduce their talents to a wide audience, and members of the public the chance to view an amazing range of art works. Remember to bring cash!

The festival winds up on Sunday 30 November with a closing party at The Playhouse. This will be an Open Mic night, providing plenty of entertainment. More details will be confirmed on www.rubycoastarts.co.nz and the RCA Facebook page.

Check out more news about these happenings in local news, the Ruby Coast Arts Facebook page and the website www.rubycoastarts.co.nz

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