Raglan Spirit of Christmas Exhibition/ Sale
Raglan Clay Shed is fundraising for the Raglan Clay Shed Plus. Organiser Susanne Prinz 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!”
The Raglan Spirit of Christmas is the first fundraising event for the Clay Shed Plus. Held over two weeks, the exhibition will sell solely locally-made art and clay objects. “You can guarantee that Raglan artists’ take on the ‘spirit of Christmas’ is going to be unusual, probably a little wacky”, said Prinz.
Items on sale range from line drawings to jewelry to hand-made tree ornaments, many with Raglan-esque up-cycling and eco-savvy themes. More than fifteen artists will be selling their eclectic wares in clay, paint and mixed media.
The exhibition will change constantly as new items replace those sold. The thrill of new discoveries – and at least three musical performances over the two weeks – should keep visitors coming back for more.
Local balladeer Robz Jones will perform his famous ‘filth and freedom’ songs at the exhibition opening on 29th November. On Saturday, December 6th the public will be invited to sing along with Dave Maybee’s choir to Christmas-themed songs in te reo Maori and English. A mystery guest will perform at the closing ceremony on 14th December.
The Raglan Clay Shed was set up in 1999 by a small group of amateur potters. Two of its founders are now professionals. Kids’ classes and holiday programs were added in 2006. But with three kids’ classes and one adults’ class now being held every week – and demand still growing – the shed isn’t big enough to host Raglan’s enthusiasm.
“The Clay Shed Plus will be amazing,” said Susanne, “It will be big enough to time-share with other community events, like movie screenings. But most of all, it will mean we can keep potting the way Raglan wants to. Getting kids into a hands-on, creative activity – away from electronics!- is good for their development, so it’s good for our community. The Raglan Spirit of Christmas cash ‘n’ carry exhibition is a great way to kick off our fundraising.”
The Raglan Spirit of Christmas will be held at The Old School Art Centre from from 10am-4pm, 29th November -14th December. Eftpos on site. Performance dates to be announced on the Raglan Old School Arts Centre Facebook page.
For more information, please contact Susanne Prinz at tel. 027 4290480 or lebensfreude@xtra.co.nz