Artists open their studios for 8th Arts Trail

17 October 2008

Artists open their studios for 8th annual Arts Trail

The Kapiti Coast’s arts and crafts exponents will open the doors of their studios to the public on the weekend of November 8 and 9 for the eighth annual Kapiti Coast Arts and Crafts trail.

Chair of the Environment & Community Development Committee, Hilary Wooding, says the event has “become sought after” since it was first developed as an opportunity to enable the public to interact with the arts community.

Stretching from Paekakariki to Otaki, the trail involves almost 70 studios, galleries and group venues, showcasing the creativity of Kapiti. All the venues are free.

“It’s a chance for people to visit artists in their own environment, and see them demonstrating in their studio. It’s a rare opportunity,” Councillor Wooding said..

“By seeing the artists at work, the public are drawn in to the artistic process. They form an attachment to it and make a connection with the artist.”

Arts on the trail include carving, sculpture, paintings, steel work, stone, pottery, mosaics, iron work, jewellery, harakeke (flax weaving), photography, masks and garden art.

The artists have been requested to be “at work” so visitors can see them actively engaged in their craft.

“We’re expecting this year’s event to be great. We have performing arts, poets and musicians at some of the group venues, which should draw people and vary the art forms.” Councillor Wooding said. “Last year’s trail attracted thousands of enthusiasts from throughout the country. So hopefully this year does the same.”

A trail map is available from Kapiti Coast libraries, information centres, the Kapiti Coast District Council or on the website: www.kapiticoast.govt.nz

Site markers indicate each participating venue – look out for yellow and orange signs, flags and balloons. The trail is open from 10.00am – 4.00pm, Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9.

“This is the biggest annual arts event on the Kapiti Coast. We have an incredible number of talented artists and it’s wonderful to have this event to showcase them to our community and visitors” Councillor Wooding says.

ENDS

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