Toi mahara bodes well for the arts
Opening events will be held on the last weekend in October
It’s an exciting time for the arts on the coast, as we prepare for the opening of Toi Mahara (previously Mahara Gallery). Signs have been going up around the district (and I don’t mean election signs!) advertising the opening of the new district gallery, which also has a new visual identity.
The opening events will be held on the last weekend in October, and will include a formal ceremony and public events including the Arts Review. Watch out for more details over the coming weeks.
The Athfield-designed building is looking incredible, and will provide a vibrant hub as well as an appropriate home for the Field Collection. A collection of 44 works, 20 by renowned artist Frances Hodgkins, the Field Collection was relocated to the building a couple of weeks ago after over 20 years spent mainly in storage at Paraparaumu Library. Finally, these important works will be cared for and displayed in a dedicated heritage gallery alongside other historic and culturally significant tā onga.
It’s also great to have made the decision to locate the new Waikanae Library next to the new gallery, so we can look forward to both facilities working in tandem, providing a cultural hub in Mahara Place.
In other arts news, on Monday council hosted an event for the artists participating in this year’s Te Ara Toi, the annual Art Trail. This year’s lineup of artists looks outstanding, with a wonderful variety of art in some great locations, including a gallery on Kā piti Island. Details are on the council website, and brochures are available across the district.
Thanks to the artists opening their doors to visitors, to share their art and talk about their work. It’s a great opportunity for people to get insight and perspective, and learn more about what goes in to the creation of the paintings, pottery, sculpture, weaving and everything else on offer. The trail runs over the first two weekends in November.
Also worth checking out is Te Ara o Kā kiriō rangi — Walking the Turquoise Road, which opened on Friday evening at Toi Matarau in the Mā oriland Hub in Ō taki. This exhibition showcases indigenous art created by native artists of Unci Maka (Turtle Island). The exhibition is a symbolic presentation of the collective journey undertaken by Kaitiaki Toi Maakarita Paku and Mā oriland trustees to the Santa Fe Indian Art Market in August. Maakarita Paku is of Mā ori, Hunkpapa and Sichangu Lakota Oyate heritage. The exhibition highlights the value Mā oriland brings not just to local and Mā ori art, but the connections they form globally with indigenous cultures.
A great couple of months for our creative sector, so make sure to make time to make the most of it!