Press Releases

Tour fashion, jewels and art on Waiheke at Queens Birthday

12 May 2014 at 10:20:45 pm

This year’s Waiheke Winter Arts Festival at Queens Birthday (31 May - 2 June) will be the largest yet offering not only painters but stone and bronze workers makers, fashion photography, jewellers and a shoemaker.

‘Snapped’, the collection of snapshots and professional shoots of fashion label Jeanine Clarkin featuring Wiremu Hohaia, Chris Trail, Lenka Tengblad and Vince Hepara can be seen at her studio ‘The Cop Shop’ (a former police station).

Sue Engel, whose shoe designs feature at WOW, reflect vintage and retro chic. Visitors can smell the leather and absorb this studio’s old world feel while watching the hand-making process.

Jeweller Christine Hafermalz-Wheeler has a long, international career as the ‘Artist Goldsmith’ while fellow jeweller Timmy Smith encourages people to encase their memories in jewellery as lasting heirlooms.

Artists will showcase their work in studios and at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery. Weavers will weave at the Owhanake Barn, Oneroa, sculptors at the Awaawaroa Bay Eco Village, spinners at the Catherine Mitchell Hall and there will be earthenware at the Ceramics Factory. Take a ride around the island and see quality art being created – including famous artists like Russell Jackson, bronze caster Jay Lloyd and Maori stone worker Nigel Scanlon.

Start your tour from the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, 2 Korora Road, Oneroa which will be selling tickets for $15 per person.

“This event gets bigger and better every year thanks to our main sponsor Fullers and it’s great to see so many new artists in this year’s festival,” says Katie Trinkle-Legge, who is involved in the festival both as an artist and a Waiheke Community Art Gallery committee member.

“Queen’s Birthday’s an excellent time for an open studio event because it doesn’t matter what the weather does – everyone can still get out with their friends and visit the artists in their studios. Part of the fun of this festival is that people love driving around the island to meet all the artists and of course every artist will have some new art for sale.”

“For such a small island it’s incredible to see the range of studios we have on Waiheke – from professional established artists to people who are just beginning to open their doors to the public.

The final highlight of the festival will be the 1 June Sunday Soiree on from 5-7pm at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery (open to all ticket holders) – a wine and cheese event with a silent auction of “Waiheke postcards” created by some of the festival artists.

“This event was extremely popular last year with all items selling well,” Katie says. “People love our wrap up - it’s a fun event.”

Ends

For further information contact Katie Trinkle-Legge on 09 372 9965 or 021 0252 0735.
Or Linda Chalmers at Waiheke Community Art Gallery on 3729907 or 021967768.

Caption: WOW shoemaker Sue Engels at work.

Caption: Artist Russell Jackson is taking part in the Waiheke Winter Arts Festival for the first time.