Over 70 artists open their doors

Artists Open Studios/Festival of Glass - NZ’s biggest art studio event

The magical art of glassmaking breathes new life and colour into the month of March in Whanganui as two iconic events combine for the first time to become NZ’s biggest art event. The popular Festival of Glass and Artists Open Studios will be held together over the last two weekends in March 2015, and the programme promises exciting new events.

With over 70 studios open to the public during these weekends, this has got to be the biggest art event in the country. It is certainly the most accessible, enabling visitors to get the inside story on the creative process, to see and buy new art. It’s also an excellent opportunity for artists to sell and market their work. “People enjoy buying artworks direct from the artists and talking to them, it’s definitely part of the charm of this event” says event organizer Sarah Williams, herself an artist and gallery owner.

“We are really excited to see these events coming together. A lot of people come every year from around New Zealand so it’s good to offer them something new. People have wanted additional events to go to when all the studios have closed at 4.00pm so we’ve got that happening for the first time which is great.”

Officially opening at 4.30pm on Friday the 20th in the heart of Whanganui’s historic business district, shop windows dressed with artists’ works and installations will be revealed as bands play. At the Whanganui Arts @ the Centre on Taupo Quay, the mayor will open the Starting Point Exhibition, a taster of artwork from the event’s 72 studios.

The Glass Olympics host teams of glass artists as they vie for gold in a buzzy, family friendly atmosphere. The teams will compete for the biggest bubble, the best sychronisation, a platter that matters, and more. Tumbler Take presents an alternative entry ticket to a pop-up exhibition of glass art works at the Whanganui Glass School.

Join in for the Castlecliff Driftwood and Sand sculpture competition including free fish and chips or just meander around the studios and galleries as they take your fancy. Guided tours are also available this year and as these are expected to be popular should be booked in advance.

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