Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW) preparations are full steam ahead with over 50 artists gearing up to be involved this year and the event evolving to include new initiatives. Set over Labour Day weekend from 21 to 23 October, this year’s RAW not only includes the main self-guided art trail, but also an Emerging Artist group exhibition, an opening event at Rock-it, an ‘artist-only’ coach tour to the studios, and a life drawing workshop for visitors.
“We’re wanting to keep RAW fresh for both our artists and visitors and evolving in this way is key to this,” says Nicky Brzeska, RAW co-ordinator since the 2019 event. “The creative scene is exploding here and adding 25 new artists in total to this year’s event is testament to that,” she says.
Some very exciting new work is set to impress with artworks covering a broad spectrum of styles and techniques from street and pop art using complex stencils, to traditional premium hat making and designer jewellery to RAW’s usual award-winning painters and mixed media artists and photographers. There is also a touching posthumous entry for the late Geoff Irving, a local wood sculptor for over 40 years.
One of the most important developments this year for RAW is the addition of ‘The Hatch’, an emerging artists group exhibition to be held in the Town Hall over Labour Weekend. Thirteen emerging artists have been selected as part of the group exhibition and the organisers Caleb Osborne and Miriam Collins have been impressed with the high standard of art submitted by these artists at the beginning of their artistic journeys.
“Visitors – both local and those travelling to Whaingaroa – are spoilt for choice this year as we look to make the 3 day weekend more immersive and experiential,” Nicky says.
“For the first time, we’re running an Opening Cocktail Reception at Rock-It in partnership with Bayleys Real Estate, on Thursday 19th October. This will be followed by The Hatch’s Opening Night on the Friday, and the self-guided art trail Saturday, Sunday and Monday. For those that are looking for a more hands-on activity, the Raglan Life Drawing Group will be holding a life drawing workshop on the Monday 23rd October too.”
The Raglan Arts Weekend web site will be updated soon with details of all the new artists and events but any questions in the meantime can be directed to nicky@raglanartscentre.co.nz.
This year’s initaitives wouldn’t have been possible without the long-term partnerships being set up with two key organisations here in Raglan: Rangitahi Peninsula and Bayleys Real Estate. Grants from Waikato District Council Creative Communities and Raglan Community Board have been a huge support for the 2023 event too, as well as key advertising money from Tony Sly and other local businesses. Other funding is still being pursued to cover the costs for the growing not-for-profit event.
