A GARDEN FULL OF POETRY

Some of Auckland’s hottest, up-and-coming and established poets will be performing as part of Kumeu Art in the Garden Festival this weekend (6-7 November).

The poetry bouquet ranges from lyrical to improvisation, performance poetry with music, to post modernist word play. Each poet will also bring their favourite poem about art and gardens by another poet for an outing at Waimauku’s lovely Dharamkot garden.

Spoken word ensemble Printable Reality and guests present a rich and varied line-up for lovers of literature, art and gardens, Saturday and Sunday between 12 PM and 2pm.

Art in the garden poets include Siobhan Harvey, poetry editor of Takahe magazine and a consulting editor of the International Literary Quarterly; Auckland performance poet Gus Simonovic; Literatti performers Christian Jensen, Miriam Barr and Daniel Larsen; Kirsten Warner from Printable Reality; Poetry Live MCs Penny Somervaille, Kiri Piahana-Wong and Ila Selwyn; Metonymy poetry joint winner Rosetta Allan; poetry slam champion Michael Rudd.

“You don’t have to be ‘literary’ to enjoy poetry,” says Gus Simonovic from Printable Reality. “Love of language is a basic human pleasure, and poetry, art and a garden, that’s an irresistible combination.

“There is an active poetry community in Auckland and this will be an amazing opportunity to be entertained by some of Auckland’s most original voices. It’s great to be able to take poetry into a new setting and to a new audience.” Printable Reality produces multimedia performances that have strong poetry/spoken word elements enhanced by combinations of music, dance and visuals.

Kumeu Art in the Garden provides four spectacular garden galleries for more than 1000 pieces of original artwork from 80 New Zealand artists.

Supported by the New Zealand Art Guild, artwork will be on display and available for purchase by event visitors.

The event, which attracted more than 800 visitors in its inaugural year in 2009, is introducing several new initiatives this year including live music or poetry readings at all the gardens.

Event organiser Graham McIntyre is encouraging visitors to bring a picnic lunch and settle in for a relaxing afternoon.

“This year we have also created delicious a Kumeu Art in the Garden lunch-box for two, comprising great local produce and beverages,” he says.

“Visitors can pre-order these and then just turn up on the day and enjoy a decadent afternoon in stunning surrounds, enjoying great food and local wine and being entertained by excellent musicians.”

Mr McIntyre says those wanting to attend this popular event can purchase tickets online at www.kumeuartinthegarden.co.nz or at Kumeu’s Visitor Centre.

“Last year we had more than 800 visitors over the weekend and we are expecting the event to be even more popular this year. Tickets sales are limited due to parking and road control, so we urge people to purchase their tickets as soon as possible,” says Mr McIntyre.

The NZ Art Guild is a nationwide organisation that promotes and supports New Zealand artists. NZ Art Guild Manger Sophia Elise says the Kumeu Art in the Garden event is a great opportunity for artists to showcase their art into the community in a unique way.

“We are excited to have artists from all over NZ exhibiting at the event, from as far away as Christchurch,” she says.

“There are a diverse range of artworks including sculpture, mosaic, Jewellery, photography, painting, sand art, textiles, ceramics, glass art, carving and even body painting. We are excited this year to be able to incorporate other creative disciplines such as music and poetry through Printable Reality Inc.”

Kumeu Art in the Garden festival of creativity showcases the arts in some of the West’s finest settings.

At Dharamkot, 90 Waikoukou Valley Road, Waimauku.

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Saturday: 12 PM Kirsten Warner; 12.15 PM David Taylor; 12.30 PM Miriam Barr; 12.45 PM Siobhan Harvey; 1 PM Daniel Larsen; 1.30 Christian Jensen; 1.45 PM Michael Botur.
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12 PM Gus Simonovic; 12.15 PM Penny Somervaille; 12.30 PM Jeremy Roberts; 12.45 PM Kelly Malone; 1 PM Ila Selwyn; 1.15 PM Kiri Piahana-Wong; 1.30 Michael Rudd; 1.45 PM Rosetta Allan.

Tickets for the two-day festival are $25 adults, $10 children (5+). Proceeds from the event go to local charities, including the Kumeu Community Patrol, West Auckland Hospice and Kumeu Volunteer Fire. For more information or tickets please visit www.kumeuartinthe garden.co.nz, the Kumeu Visitor Information Centre at 61 Main Road, Kumeu or phone 09 412 9886.

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