Words by Pete Sephton
In 2006 a small group of artists in Coromandel and Colville decided to organise the very first Coromandel Open Studios Arts Tour. It was a bit of a risk starting from scratch with very little funding and no idea how many visitors would make the trip to our isolated but special region.
Six artists took part and it must have gone reasonably well because in the following year more than twenty artists came on board and a full colour guide was printed with local businesses providing funding.
Since then many changes have taken place but the Arts Tour has gone from strength to strength.
This year on the first two weekends in October we will celebrate 20 years of promoting art and artists in Coroman-del town and beyond.
41 artists will be opening their studios to visitors who will be able to get a glimpse behind the scenes and buy original art at studio prices.
In association with the tour an exhibition featuring at least one piece of every artist’s work will be held at the Hauraki House Gallery, opening every day from 3 to 11 October.
Our artists cover a wide range of media including painting, printmaking, ceramics, woodwork, glass, stitching, sculpture and flax weaving.
You can also download the guide from here or pick up a free hard copy from the exhibition and Coromandel Information Centre when you arrive in Coromandel town.
