Saturday 29th was a big day of art and music in Raglan. First up was the opening of the Raglan Spirit of Christmas at Raglan Old School Arts Centre. The Raglan Spirit of Christmas is the first fundraising event for the Clay Shed Plus.
Organiser and curator Susanne Prinz opened the event explaining that the Raglan Clay Shed is fundraising for the Raglan Clay Shed Plus. She said, “Our current little Shed is just too small for all the kids and adults who want to make pottery these days. We have a vision for the next couple of years: raising the funds to build a two-story clay shed in its place. It may even double as a cinema or theatre drama centre!”
Participating artists then explained their work. Local balladeer Robz Jones then performed his famous ‘filth and freedom’ songs. Held over two weeks, the exhibition has solely locally-made art and clay objects and is a cash and carry exhibition. A special at the exhibition is that Dizzy Blocks are available for sale in the foyer while the exhibition is open. These boutique ice blocks are handmade in Raglan at the Old School Arts Centre commercial kitchen. Maree has created a Christmas inspired block for the exhibition with a rainbow of fruit flavours.
In late afternoon, silk artist Jean Carbon hosted 200 people for a parade of her new work featuring naturally dyed indigo silk obtained during her recent travels deep into China. Local models paraded the creations with a backdrop of the Raglan Bar and the Tasman Sea. Musicians Dave Maybee and Peter Skandera provided the music for the launch.
In the evening, West Coast Jazz played a mix of old favourites and some new creations at the Old School Arts Centre with Jak Porima – Bass, Bill Forrest – Tenor Sax, Freddie Limbert – Drums, Grant Mason – Trumpet, Greg Taylor – Piano.