Media release
The creative spirit comes alive at the Ruby Coast Arts Festival – November 2014
13 August, 2014
With the arrival of late Spring, those interested in the Arts look forward to nurturing their creative side at the
annual month-long Ruby Coast Arts Festival.
RCA FESTIVAL OPENING EVENT
In this popular festival, local artists and members of Ruby Coast Arts (RCA) join together to present a series of events
including the innovative Window Art exhibition in Mapua, an Open Studios Weekend, an art exhibition and a series of
hands-on creative workshops, but it all starts with the Festival Launch party on Thursday 30 October.
That evening Mapua Hall will be humming with art aficionados, bidders for a silent auction, artists keen to show their
wares, workshop tutors and plenty of wine and nibbles. There will also be a well-known “mystery speaker’ – an
inspirational working artist whose identity will be revealed in due course.
WINDOW ART IN MAPUA
During November the Window Art exhibition transforms the Mapua village centre into a vibrant, street-based art
exhibition, showcasing the innovative ways artists approach the art form, raising awareness of art within the community
and making art accessible. It also brings people of all ages and abilities together, to create exciting works of art for
the exhibition. As the general public goes about their daily business they will encounter the window art, which should
inspire, bring a smile, or food for thought.
OPEN STUDIOS WEEKEND
The Open Studios Weekend allows the public to peek into the private studio spaces of the members of RCA over the weekend
of Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November. Information brochures about this weekend are available at local cafes, shops, the
Richmond Library and i-SITES at Nelson and Motueka.
ARTISTS’ WORKSHOPS
The public can learn something new at one of the creative workshops where local artists share their skills. So far these
include tutorials on flax weaving, stone carving, botanical painting, encaustic wax techniques, portrait painting and
etching, life drawing and abstract painting. The full programme can be viewed online at http://www.rubycoastarts.co.nz/workshops.html
COMMUNITY ART EXHIBITION
The Community Art Exhibition, held on the weekend of 15 and 16 November at Mapua Hall, gives emerging local artists the
opportunity to introduce their talents to a wide audience and members of the public the chance to view an amazing range
of art works.
PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS
Performing Arts will also play a part in the festival, with a poetry and music night on 14 November to be held at Jester
House and several events at The Playhouse including Lawrence Arabia on 7 November, New Zealand Guitar Quartet on 13
November and a Festival Wrap-Up Party on 30 November .
Keep an eye out for more details and news about these happenings in local news, the RCA Facebook page and the website http://www.rubycoastarts.co.nz/
Ends.