RCAC news
From carved surfboards and sculpture, to fine arts photography and hand dyed silk fashion, the work of Raglan’s artists spans a wide range of media. And art lovers can immerse themselves in the full spectrum of their work at the ninth annual Raglan Arts Weekend, taking place from Saturday 27 January to Monday 29 January 2018.
With over 30 artists exhibiting from both their home studios and the Raglan Old School Arts Centre, arts facilitator Jacqueline Anderson says the weekend offers a unique opportunity to connect to the process, not just the product.
“It’s up close and personal. You get the opportunity to speak to the artists, breathe in the atmosphere, and maybe even see work being made. It’s also an adventure to follow the map and wander around Raglan unearthing all this delightful work.”
This year, visitors have a variety of ways to wander. If you fancy using pedal-power to cruise between studios, Raglan Cyclery will have bikes available for hire, while those seeking a less strenuous arts experience can join one of two bus tours run by Raglan Shuttle.
The Arts on the Coast Tour takes place on Saturday 27 January, while the Arts in the Country Tour will introduce visitors to rural-based artists on Sunday 28 January. Both tours start from the Raglan Old School at 9:30am, and can include a healthy, plant-based lunch.
Artists throwing open their doors for the Anniversary Weekend event include painter and sculptor Amanda Watson, panel and paint artist Chris Meek, and Miranda Jane Caird, who works with acrylic on canvas. At the Old School, you’ll find digital painting and photography by Ailene Cuthbertson, glass artist Marise Rarere, and charcoal drawings on paper by Dominique Marriott.
The Old School is also where you’ll find the Arts Weekend Exhibition and 300 x 300 Show. Featuring a one-off, 300 x 300 mm piece of artwork alongside a showcase piece, the Exhibition provides an enticing introduction to each artist participating in Raglan Arts Weekend. It’s open daily from Friday 8 December until Monday 29 January (excluding public holidays), between 10am and 3pm.
Over the Anniversary Weekend, the Artists’ Open Studios will be open for viewing on Saturday 27 January, Sunday 28 January, and Monday 29 January, from 10am to 3pm, with a select few open until 5pm.
For full details of each artist participating, and directions to their studios, pick up a copy of the official Raglan Arts Trail Guide, available from the Raglan i-SITE on Wainui Road, the Old School Arts Centre, and various Raglan cafes and galleries. You can also learn more about each artist at facebook.com/raglanart.
If you’d like to arrange bike hire over Anniversary Weekend, visit leapbooking.com/business/cyclery-raglan. For bus tour enquiries and bookings,email bookings@raglanshuttle.co.nz, or call 027 825 8160.