Media Release

February 4, 2009
Opening door on Waitakere artists

Get up close and personal with some of region’s leading artists at the Waitakere City Artists’ Open Studio weekend.

On March 7 and 8, local artists will throw open their studio doors to the public for a rare insight behind the scenes of their creative process. As well as seeing art in action visitors will also meet the artists and purchase their works.

In all, 40 home studios and 10 gallery clusters, featuring the work of more than 200 artists, will be open throughout the weekend.

This is the fifth year the Waitakere City Council has organised the event and whatever your artistic tastes there is plenty to satisfy from bronze casting and iron forging to painting, stained glass, ceramics and handmade books.

Designer knitwear, jewellery, photography, mosaics, weaving, printmaking and engraving are also featured.

"Waitakere is home to many talented artists whose work is recognised throughout New Zealand,” says the council’s Culture and Community Committee chairperson, Judy Lawley.

"Our open studio weekend is an important showcase for their work - it's a feast of art in various mediums and fascinating to see artists in their own settings and creative spaces.

“I'm looking forward to this year's open studio weekend being bigger and better than ever,” Cr Lawley says.

Participating artists are dotted throughout the vast Waitakere region and visitors will soon be able to download the official brochure and map from the council’s website, www.waitakere.govt.nz Alternatively, call the council’s 24-hour call centre on 839 0400 to organise for one to be sent out.

Or you could catch the mini bus that leaves from the Corban Estate Arts Centre at 10.30am and 1.30pm each day. Each trip last 2 ½ hours and tickets are $15 each. Bookings essential.

What: Waitakere City Artists’ Open Studio Weekend.
When: March 7 and 8. 10.00am to 4.00pm. Free entry.
Where: At 40 art studios and 10 gallery clusters open throughout Waitakere. Call the council’s 24-hour call centre, 839 0400 for a brochure and map (or go to www.waitakere.govt.nz) or to book a seat on the mini bus.

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