Far North artists ready for KOAST visitors
Sixty-six Far North artists are in full creative flight as they prepare for this weekend’s Kerikeri Open Art Studios Trail (KOAST). The line-up is almost double last year’s, and the biggest in the event’s five-year history.
“The growth directly reflects the massive growth in Kerikeri, and includes 26 new artists, 32 locations and three new shared venues,” KOAST chair Ann Winship said.
Sculptor Jonathon Foley, who moved to Kerikeri recently, will take part for the first time.
“Several years ago I began focusing on marble carving, participating in three intensive workshops with Italy-based master carver Alnazzar. And since moving to Kerikeri I’ve been combining Carrara marble with ancient swamp kauri,” he said.
“Marble takes millions of years to form, and swamp kauri takes over 30,000 years, so there is wonderful synergy in the combination of these two ancient substances.”
Other local artists, like potter Nicky Jolly (Burnt Earth) and painter-woodworker Jude Fenton, have been part of the trail for most of its history. Nicky said a “real buzz” had been building over the years as the trail had matured into the destination event that it had become.
“As artists we create fresh work especially for the influx of visitors who we welcome to our studios over those three days,” he said.
This year’s seven guest artists include Mandy Wood (Dargaville), who creates bespoke stained glass windows, Hokianga woodblock printer Allan Gale, and the Kaikohekohe Weavers, who exhibit and demonstrate flax art. Most of the guests will share space at group venues.
“Several community groups are hosting KOAST artists in spaces that are normally used for other purposes,” Ann said. “We have artists exhibiting at the golf club, at Oakridge Villas, Rewa’s Village and Springbank School, so creativity is being woven back into the fabric of everyday life and community. Some artists are also collaborating to share another artist’s studio space.
“One of the original aims of KOAST was to enhance Kerikeri’s reputation as a hotspot for the arts,” she added.
“Fewer gallery spaces are commercially available, or viable, as the retail world is impacted by the internet. Even though artists now benefit from promoting and selling their art directly online, they still want to physically show their work, and art lovers still want to experience art with real people, real stories, in physical settings.
“At five years and counting, KOAST offers that experience.” Go to www.KOAST.org.nz