Christmas Market - Thames

2 & 3 and 16 & 17 December Thames Civic Centre from 10am Andy Mac Art Andy is an ex-fisherman, whose perspective of the New Zealand coast is first hand.  His love of the sea has inspired his work, and is the predominant subject of his art.  Andy has been painting for many, many years, having his work adorning many walls both here and in Australia.  His work is not limited to paintings, but has painted many murals, one being recently done at the 50^th Anniversary of the Moanataiari School which graces their entrance, through to indoor and outdoor houses and yards. Shizzle Art Sharron has been making jewelry for 10 years, having started out on beads, moving to making her own beads, and using many different styles as the years rolled on.  Bead weaving, Kumihimo, to name a few. Her latest venture is working with resin, which for the purposes of the Heritage Art Festival, has focused her attention on mixing that media with the many earthly treasures found on our beaches, gardens and backyards.  It is a blend of new and old, highlighting the beauty of NZ paua, shells, flora and fauna. Sam Swannell Sam is a greenstone and wooden veneer artist from Ngati Porou.  He sources his stone from Ngati Waewai of Ngati Tahu Arahura river and gets the veneer from an exclusive source.  He has been working with these medium for many years, and enjoys the process of turning stone into a piece of art. Queen Beads Martina has been making beaded jewelry for 25 years+, having taught it at Kirikiriroa Marae in Hamilton for several years.  Her love of making something special for people drives her to create unique pieces that have been sent all over the world.  So, if you have a new outfit and want something specific to match it for an occasion, or if you have a single earring from a loved one that she can revamp it into a necklace you can wear.  Martina also has jewelry stands at the Matatoki Cheese Barn, and some special ashes necklaces are available at Twentyman’s Funeral Services. Chris’s Homemade Marmalade Chris has always been great at making preserves, and now has his marmalades selling from the Matatoki Cheese Barn.  He loves gifting them to friends and family, who are always appreciative of a sweet treat.  His grapefruit is particularly good, as is his lemon, orange, and the mixes he does.  Sometimes the marmalade will even find its way into a cake - yes, there is such a thing as marmalade cake..!!  Chris loves homemade food of all kinds and is particularly happy when people enjoy the fruits of his labours. Rosalie The Storyteller Rosalie has been telling stories of real local historical events since 2014.  She brings to life the drama and human interest of things that have shaped the story of our town of Thames.  She brings stories to our Christmas Market, to bring the past back to life – such as the lynch mob at Kuranui Bay and how the first gold strike really occurred.  This is for young and old, so come and find out for yourself. Jen Hawkeswood Jen has painted numerous murals around the Peninsula and regularly produces works in black and white and landscapes in acrylics and mixed media.  Her art reflects community, people and their relationship to their environment.  Most recently Jen has been embellishing hats and costumes for town events but is recognised more as a brush artist.  This year she is exploring sustainability and ways to incorporate treasures sourced from local op shops in her work. She has chosen the traditional art of eggshell mosaic, pigment painting and decoupage to create art journals, cards and posters promoting Thames, our lifestyles, favourite places and pass times.  Catch up with Jen and her work at our Christmas market.  We have set up a demo space for you to explore eggshell mosaic, journalling and pigment painting, so come and have a go. Margaret Cropp Margaret is running the kitchen for this event, so we are looking forward to a delicious array of high tea items.  Don’t miss out on these treats. Thames Camera Club The Thames Camera Club has been running for over 70 years!  After a successful photography event at the Pump House during Heritage Week, where customers made up of family groups, dressed up in vintage attire and had some lovely portraits taken.  These photos were a delight to those who participated, and they cherish the family group pictures they received.  For this Market, the theme is all things Christmas, so please come along with your family to get your portrait done for Xmas 2023.