It’s feeling like Groundhog Day again for the organisers and artists of the Raglan Arts Weekend, with the popular annual event being postponed yet again. The new date is back on Labour Weekend, and fans are urged to keep the 22-24 October 2022 free.
“This is the second time our 2021/2022 event has been postponed. At first, it was from October 2021 to Easter 2022, and now it’s from Easter 2022 back to Labour Weekend,” says Nicky Brzeska, RAW coordinator. “It’s actually the third time we’ve had to postpone in two years, and each time brings complexity as we spend the majority of our sponsorship money in the build-up only to have the wind taken out of our sails. We’re not alone though in facing Covid issues, and we’re just forging on!”
Nicky points out that it will be well worth the wait, with artists having had an extended period to produce and cherry pick high quality work to exhibit. “We’re seeing some artists with a few styles now, providing a much broader range of work to choose from,” she says.
The 42 artists for 2022 include 13 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.
It is likely another Preview Exhibition will take place but for a shortened period of time due to costs. Details of this will be revealed closer to the time.
“Thank you so much to all our sponsors and patrons for your patience over this extended period,” says Nicky. “We’re pleased our artist group had the opportunity to vote for their preference, and the overwhelming support for postponement makes us believe we’ll have a renewed energy come Labour Weekend!”
RAW is a self-guided studio tour of some of Raglan’s finest artists. Studios are open 10am until 5pm from Saturday 22 October to Monday 24 October 2022. All current information can be found on the recently launched RAW web site at www.raglanartsweekend.co.nz. A brochure which houses details of participating artists and a map can be picked up at the Raglan Old School or i-Hub.
IG: @raglanartsweekend
