Discover Whanganui art: 2012 Whanganui Artists Open Studios

29 February 2012

Chance to discover Whanganui’s art: 2012 Whanganui Artists Open Studios – biggest event yet!

Art lovers flocking to the 2012 Whanganui Artists Open Studios in March are in for the ultimate treat with more artists than ever before set to take part.

The popular annual event runs on two weekends – 17-18 and 24-25 March – and returns to build on the Whanganui region’s fast-growing reputation as a premier arts destination.

Now in its 12th year, Artists Open Studios provides a platform for Whanganui’s large base of established and emerging artists to showcase their skills. Trust Chair for Artists Open Studios Katie Edmonds says the event also gives the public the chance to join artists in celebrating Whanganui’s creative spirit:

“Around 70 of the region’s artists will throw open the doors to their studios, homes and galleries, and invite the public to step into their worlds: to see them at work in their studios; to learn about their individual forms of art; and to view and purchase unique art pieces.

“Each artist has their own unique skills set. And they work in a wide range of mediums such as painting, sculpture, print-making, glassware, ceramics and outstanding photography”.

As in previous years, Whanganui’s esteemed arts trail is a key feature. And the new 2012 Arts Trail Guide is designed to be a handy aide to visitors as they make their way around the city and region’s abundant art spaces. For the first time, it comes with geographical art zones – each with a handy map and key.

The Guide can be viewed on Artists Open Studios’ new-look website, which forms part of a rebrand in preparation for the 2012 event.

This year’s main exhibition – ‘Starting Point’ – opens daily from 17-25 March at Wanganui Community Arts Centre, 19 Taupo Quay. And it’s the place to head first, says Katie: “Here, people can pick up printed versions of the Guide and – with samples of artwork by all participating artists on display – pinpoint the artists they most want to visit and/or purchase art from.”

Another first for this year is that some artists are inviting their artist friends and family members visiting from other regions – such as Nelson, Hawkes Bay and Wellington – to share their art spaces, adding to the diversity of the art and skills on offer.

Katie says: “We also have artists opening their spaces to the public for the first time, and others who are unveiling new artwork. And, as some artists only open their spaces specifically for this event, it’s the ideal time to come for the chance to connect with them in their own environment.”

Popular art workshops are again being run this year by Whanganui-based and visiting artists in flaxweaving, photography, glassblowing, mosaics, and glass bead and jewellery making. The workshops offer great value for money and give everyone the chance to ‘give it a go’, says Katie:

“People get to see the fascinating processes and skills involved in creating a diverse range of unique art forms. Spaces are limited though, so people need to hurry to register”.

The jazz cafes are also back by popular demand, and this year’s Artists Open Studios Premier Dinner features TV3 current affairs presenter John Campbell* as Guest Speaker.

To find out more about Artists Open Studios, to register for workshops, or to purchase limited tickets for other activities, visit Artists Open Studios’ new website: www.openstudios.co.nz , or the event’s Facebook page. Alternatively, call on 06 213 0997.

To receive discounts and other benefits, while also helping to support Whanganui’s arts community, find out how to become a ‘friend’ of the event at: http://www.openstudios.co.nz/content/4/

Katie adds: “Here’s the chance to head to one of New Zealand’s oldest historical centres and benefit from a full and diverse arts and cultural experience in a region that offers some of our country’s best creative talent”.

Whanganui Artists Open Studios is organised by a charitable trust operating under the collective name of ‘Whanganui Artists Open Studios’ (aka. Whanganui Arts Marketing and Development Trust). The Trust is made up of a group of dedicated volunteers committed to sustaining, developing and promoting the annual Artists Open Studios event.

*Kindly provided by Celebrity Speakers (NZ) Ltd. In the event that John Campbell cannot attend, award-winning journalist and TV3 current affairs and news presenter Mike McRoberts will stand in as Guest Speaker.

About the event:
Whanganui Artists Open Studios is a unique annual event celebrating Whanganui as a premier New Zealand art destination, as well as the wholly-diverse and creative spirit of the Whanganui region.

Now in its 12th year, Artists Open Studios has become one of New Zealand’s must-see annual arts events, featuring an ever-expanding open art studio trail, art workshops, a main gallery exhibition, jazz cafes and more.

Established and emerging artists based in the city and all around Whanganui open up their studios, homes and galleries to give the public the chance to connect with them – to see them at work in their studios; to learn about their individual forms of art; and to view and purchase unique art pieces. These include painting, sculpture, print-making, glassware, ceramics and photography.

About the organisers:
Whanganui Artists Open Studios is organised by a charitable trust operating under the collective name of ‘Whanganui Artists Open Studios’ (aka. Whanganui Arts Marketing and Development Trust).
The Trust is made up of a group of dedicated volunteers committed to sustaining, developing and promoting the annual Artists Open Studios event.

Established in 2003, the Trust comprises artists, former curators and keen arts enthusiasts – all passionate about making the Whanganui Artists Open Studios experience the best it can be for visitors, artists and Whanganui’s local community.

To find out more about Whanganui Artists Open Studios, its organisers and participating artists, visit: www.openstudios.co.nz

ENDS

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