8 April 2013

Community tapestry weaves Whangarei together

An exciting project weaving the most loved and significant aspects of Whangarei life into one spectacular art piece will be launched this week, before residents are invited to make their own contribution to it.

The first strands of the Whangarei Community Tapestry, to be completed in two years and then handed to Whangarei District Council to care for and hang in a prominent place in one of Whangarei’s public buildings for people to admire, will be secured to a custom-made loom at the Town Basin retail outlet, The Bach.

Entitled ‘Whangarei – Our Place’, it will be constructed from a stunning design by brainchild of the project, Jackie Addenbrooke, who has joined with a group of local weavers and art enthusiasts to bring it to fruition.

“Members of the public will be able to visit this ‘art work in progress’ and contribute to the weaving process themselves,” says Whangarei District Councillor, Sharon Morgan, who has been working with the Tapestry organising committee for well over a year.

“We intend this wonderful and very unique creative work to be woven by all ages, genders and interest groups from our community as a gift to future Whangarei communities.”

Members and friends of the Tapestry committee will be on hand to host weaving sessions at The Bach, which will be held between 10am and 3pm every day, and on Thursday evenings until 7pm, if interest warrants it.

“All people need do is stop by during these times, and one of the hosts will show how to make a contribution,” Cr Morgan says.

“That could be café goers, families fresh from the children’s playground, people waiting for a bus to arrive at the Hub, or even groups like Rotary or Scouts wanting an interesting and different afternoon or evening meeting.”

The 4.1m by 3.3m tapestry is being woven using traditional methods. However, its design is modern and features iconic Whangarei scenes such as the Whangarei Heads, the sea, our beaches and the vibrant colours of our District.

“This rich and multi-coloured weaving of local wool on a locally-made loom neatly summarises who we are, what we are about and why we love it here in Whangarei,” Cr Morgan says.

“It is an art work about Whangarei, by Whangarei for Whangarei, and we hope as many people as possible can make their mark on it.”

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