Raglan is gearing up for one of its most loved annual community events this Labour Weekend – the Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW), which promises to delight with new talent, creations and artistic styles.
The 12th annual self-guided open studio art trail showcases Raglan’s top artists who want to connect with visitors, inspire a new generation and sell artwork especially developed for the 3-day weekend.
After three Covid-related postponements in two years, the event is raring to go. The 36 artists for 2022 include 7 new to RAW and offer a broad range of media from sculpture, painting, photography, metal work and encaustic to print making, illustration, pottery, weaving, textile art and designer jewellery.
“RAW is establishing a reputation as a cut above your usual art trail and the diverse talent that resides in our little community is mind-blowing,” says RAW Co-ordinator Nicky Brzeska. “We continue to attract a loyal following of art buyers from around the country, in addition to the many visitors seeking out a special piece or just wanting to be inspired,” says Nicky.
It’s a fun weekend and the creative spaces are all unique and offer something for everyone. “For example, you can visit a Redwoods installation of 5 metre silk drops at Jean Carbon’s, see Tessa Skerman’s new ‘paint, slice, recreate’ technique from her serene gallery space among Kahikatea trees, watch the surf from the deck of Miranda Caird’s and see that exact view depicted in her iconic work or take in Richard Page’s incredible sculptures whilst listening to the sounds of a nearby stream.”
Some of the artists are also in combined spaces meaning you can see quite a number in a short space of time. Studeo Gallery, Artists at Work, Little Hill Studios, the Supper Room, St Peter’s Anglican Church Hall and the Raglan Sunset Motel are just a few of these spaces.
“The best thing you can do to make the most of the weekend is to visit our Preview Exhibition at the Old School, open daily until after RAW,” says Nicky. “This is a fantastic way to see what’s on offer over Labour Weekend, plan your art trail route, and even secure an exclusive RAW piece ahead of the weekend,” Nicky says.
A brochure which includes the map and details of participating artists can be picked up at the Raglan Old School or i-Hub. All details can be found at the new web site www.raglanartsweekend.nz. Studio changes since the brochure was printed can be seen here too.
Thank you to 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, RAW would not be possible.
Preview Exhibition: open daily (including weekends) from 10am until 2pm until 24 October Old School Arts Centre, 5 Stewart St.
RAW: open studios over Labour Weekend, October 22-24, 10am until 5pm.
