Weavers to Demonstrate Maori Weaving at NZ Art Show

Four Weavers to Demonstrate Traditional Maori Weaving at this year’s Show

The art of traditional Maori weaving will, for the first time, be on display at this year’s NZ Art Show.

The four artists who operate under the name ‘Hutia Te Rito’ are Elaine Bevan, Pip Devonshire, Tracey Patete and Heather McCaskill. They will demonstrate traditional Maori weaving techniques and the fibres used in creating contemporary Maori artworks at the Show over three days; Friday 26 July – Sunday, 28 July. The group affiliate to Ngati Raukawa and work at, or are graduates of, Te Whare Toi at Te Waananga o Raukawa.

Hutia Te Rito comes from a well known whakatauaki (proverb) and waiata (song), ‘Hutia te rito o te harakeke...’ which is a plea for the preservation of harakeke, for both its physical and spiritual wellbeing.

The NZ Art Show executive director Carla Russell says, “Hutia Te Rito will add an extra dimension to this year’s Show, in that the group will be present demonstrating their techniques and exhibiting the art. Using traditional techniques and materials, they create unique contemporary artworks that are exquisitely detailed and finished.”

The NZ Art Show will take place in the TSB Bank Arena on Wellington’s waterfront over three days. The Show opens with a Gala Evening on Thursday, 25 July, with open days from Friday, 26 July to Sunday, 28 July 2013.

In addition to the traditional weaving display, this year’s Show will also include demonstrations by art students from Hutt City based The Learning Connextion, an Illuminart Gallery (showcasing artworks using light) and ASB & all that Jazz (live Jazz performances from the senior students from Te Koki, NZ School of Music), courtesy of ASB.

The Art Show is open to the public by general admission. The art displayed is constantly changing so there is always something different to see. Tickets cost $10 each, concessions $7, with children 12 years and under free.

ENDS

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