Raglan Old School Arts Centre news
The Preview Exhibition will be open daily from 30 September 2022 (including weekends) from 10am until 2pm until 24 October 2022 at the Old School, 5 Stewart St, Raglan.
It’s not all about fast cars and noisy racetracks with the Repco Rally New Zealand in Raglan this Friday. The seaside destination is also kicking off its Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW) festival with the opening of the Preview Exhibition on Friday, giving visitors a sneak peek into this year’s creations and talent.
Despite three postponements in two years, RAW is now firmly in the diary for Labour Weekend from 22 – 24 October 2022. The self-guided open studio art trail has grown from strength to strength since its inception 13 years ago, and promises to be better than ever after its two-year hiatus due to Covid. It continues to attract top Raglan artists who want to connect with visitors, share new exploratory styles, and sell artwork which is especially developed for the 3- day weekend.
“The high standard of art attracts a loyal following of top art buyers from around the country, in addition to the hoardes of visitors seeking out a special piece or just wanting to be inspired,” says Nicky Brzeska, RAW Co-Ordinator. “Our event will be well worth the wait as artists have had an extended period to produce and cherry pick high quality work to exhibit. Lots of our artists have also been experimenting with new styles, providing a broader range of work to choose from,” she says.
The 36 artists for 2022 include 11 new artists. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with a broad range of media from sculpture, painting, photography, metal work and encaustic to print making, illustration, pottery, weaving, textile art and designer jewellery.
“We’re pretty lucky to have the RAW launch co-incide with the Repco Rally New Zealand and the potential for so many more eyeballs to see the art talent that this little town has nurtured,” says Nicky. “The Exhibition is a fantastic way to see what’s on offer over Labour Weekend, plan art trail routes, or even secure an exclusive RAW piece ahead of the weekend. Visitors can also pick up a trail map, as well as find out about any studio changes due to the two postponements,” she says.
The Preview Exhibition will be open daily from 30 September 2022 (including weekends) from 10am until 2pm until 24 October 2022 at the Old School, 5 Stewart St, Raglan.
RAW will be held over Labour Weekend 22-24 October 2022. Studios will be open 10am until 5pm.
All details can be found at the new web site www.raglanartsweekend.nz. It’s important to visit this site to see any changes to artist studio locations too.
The organisers want to thank RAW’s financial supporters and sponsors: the three grant providers (Chartwell Trust, Waikato District Council Discretionary Events Fund, Waikato District Creative Communities NZ) as well as Tony Sly and other local business advertisers in the Raglan Arts Guide. Without these funds, the popular landmark event would not be remotely possible.