The Mercury Bay Art Escape is almost here with an exciting programme that has a real festival vibe, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Two weekends of artists’ Open Studios will once again be a major highlight, with six new participants among the forty diverse artists on the trail this year including potters,sculptors, painters, printmakers, photographers, flax weavers, woodworkers, mosaic artists, jewellery makers, a glass artist and a furniture maker.
Among those making their Art Escape debut is Tairua based Dessa Bluu whose colourful mosaics, brimming with the vibrant pasifika influence of her heritage, will be an energetic and exciting addition to the line-up. Meanwhile, among the returning stalwarts are founding Art Escape member Rachel Olsen who enjoys capturing the beauty and character of her environment from her studio near Cooks Beach. Her distinctive painting style is bright and playful, more often than not celebrating the ever changing landscape of the east Coromandel coast. And of course Art Escape simply would not be complete without the renowned Michael Smither who will be based at Bread & Butter Gallery in Whitianga.
The open weekends on March 7 & 8 and 14 & 15, bookend a lively Festival of Art programme featuring exhibitions, demonstrations, music and numerous fringe events in towns across the Coromandel. From an art workshop for residents of Tairua Aged Care to the pizza art contest at Luke’s Kitchen in beautiful Kuaotunu, venues up and down the peninsula will be buzzing with fun and creativity throughout the week.
Once again, Hot Waves Cafe in Hot Water Beach acts as festival headquarters,kicking off with the Gala Opening Night from 6pm on Friday 6 March. This is also the venue for Artist-in-Residence where each day you can meet one of the featured artists and learn more about their work, philosophy and process. Hot Waves is also home to the 2020 Mercury Bay Art Escape Members’ Showcase exhibition from 7 to 13 March featuring one new artwork by each member artist as well as the group’s High School Scholarship recipient.
For new and experienced creatives looking to discover or develop their skills, last year’s highly successful Chasing Mercury Workshops return. Offering mixed media painting and collage, mosaics, flax weaving, watercolour, charcoal and acrylics, cold wax medium, pastel and photography,, there is something for everyone. This is a unique opportunity to learn directly from some of our region’s most accomplished creatives with people like Wendy Wallace, Ian Preece, Raewyn Hildreth and Paula McNeill ready to share their time and talents. The workshops often sell out so booking early is advised.
For lots more information on what promises to be an exciting week of celebrating our vibrant Coromandel creative scene, visit the website.
