Raglan’s eighth annual Arts Weekend is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. More than 36 artists will be exhibiting in the town over Anniversary Weekend – with a large number of them new to the event.
“We’re delighted to welcome over ten new artists to this year’s Arts Weekend”, says arts facilitator Jacqueline Anderson. “Raglan has always attracted a creative group of people, but our popularity has soared recently and we’re thrilled that even more talented individuals now call our little town home.”
Download your copy of the official 2017 Raglan Arts Weekend Guide HERE.
Those exhibiting at Raglan Arts Weekend for the first time include jewellery designer Sophie Lewis-Smith, whose intricate work featured in the movie The Hobbit; airbrush artist Dr Airbrush; and Sara Waugh, whose preferred medium is ink on paper.
They’ll be joining well-established Raglan artists like Simon Te Wheoro, Chris Meek, Sam Mathers, Jane Galloway and Miranda Jane Caird. Many of those participating will be exhibiting from their own studios, while others will be located within the Old School Arts Centre on Stewart Street.
Raglan Arts Weekend is a firmly-embedded fixture on the Raglan summer calendar, attracting hundreds of visitors from all over the North Island. The 2017 event takes place from Saturday 28 January to Monday 30 January.
This year, a preview exhibition will also be running at the Old School. Designed to provide an introduction to each artist participating in Raglan Arts Weekend, the exhibition will feature a one-off, 300 x 300 mm piece of artwork, alongside a showcase piece. Daily viewing is from Saturday 17 December until Monday 30 January, and all the art will be available for sale, with 300 x 300 mm pieces available for $200 each.
The Old School will also be the place to head to when hunger hits – the Stewart Street site will once again be hosting the Little Food Fest throughout the long weekend. A firm favourite with visitors since 2015, the festival will be dishing up a tasty array of food and drink from 10am to 3pm on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Anniversary Weekend. Expect a tantalising selection of treats from local growers and artisan producers, with a strong emphasis on healthy and organic wares.
Useful dates and times:
The Artists’ Open Studios will be open for viewing on Saturday 28 January, Sunday 29 January and Monday 30 January, from 10am to 3pm, with a select few open until 5pm. The Little Food Fest will be open on the same days from 10am to 3pm at the Old School Arts Centre.
The Preview Exhibition will open on Saturday 17 December at the Old School, with drinks and refreshments from 10am to 12noon. The exhibition will be open daily until Monday 30 January (excluding public holidays), between 10am and 3pm.
Copies of the official Raglan Arts Weekend Guide can be found at the Raglan i-SITE on Wainui Road, the Old School Arts Centre and at Raglan cafes and galleries. You can also check out participating artists’ work via facebook.com/raglanart.