Art and Craft Fair draws large crowds in rain

The community’s strong interest in the arts was demonstrated when there was standing room only during part of the weekend’s Art and Craft Fair.

The event was run at Kaitaia’s Dalmatian Hall on Saturday and Sunday by Arts Far North, with the aim of supporting local artists to make a living.

One of the organisers, Jen Gay, said the Saturday morning started with such a rush it was “like a Marks & Spencer sale”.

Heavy rain helped to bring participants indoors but Ms Gay said many people had specifically come for the event, to the delight of the artists.

“Everybody has been really positive and said that it’s even better than last year,” she said.

Live music, food and demonstrations by a number of the artists had kept everyone entertained, Ms Gay said.

Painter Heathermeg said other artists had been very helpful and there was a great camaraderie.

“I’m loving the vibe — the friendliness, the unpretentiousness, the live music. It’s just a lovely warmth from everybody,” she said.

Artist Heathermeg normally paints but she decided to have a go at felting during a quiet moment during the fair. The community felting project was about creating a banner for the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party/Wonderland-themed event in December.

Joyce Fischer from Kaitaia sold a lot of her pottery over the weekend, declaring the event better than last year.Ann Stewart from Kareponia had a happy face after selling five boxes of her mixed-media artworks on Saturday morning alone, below.