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CENTRAL OTAGO EMERGING ARTIST SCHOLARSHIP 2025

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 9:30:00 +1200

$5,000 Emerging Artist Scholarship to Support Central Otago Talent

The Central Otago Art Society is excited to launch a new annual Emerging Artist Scholarship, providing $5,000 to support the professional development of a promising visual artist connected to the Central Otago region.

This initiative recognises the vital role the arts play in shaping the region’s identity and aims to nurture early-career creatives by helping them access mentorship, materials, studio space, courses, or exhibition opportunities.

The scholarship is open to artists in the first five years of their practice who show commitment, potential, and originality. Selection will be based on artistic merit, development potential, and contribution to the cultural life of Central Otago.

The recipient will be announced during the Opening Night of the Blossom Festival Exhibition this September.

This scholarship marks an important investment in the region’s creative future and reinforces the Central Otago Art Society’s dedication to growing a vibrant, thriving arts community.

For Terms and Conditions Central-Otago-Emerging-Artist-Scholarship-2025---2-.docx

For an Entry Form Applic-Central-Otago-Emerging-Artist-Scholarship-.doc

For more information, email: centralotagoartsociety@gmail.com

Kiwilele Jam doubles its impact

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 9:30:00 +1200

Click here to read this youth arts-related article. Thanks to The Central App for sharing the link.

Central Otago Emerging Artist Scholarship 2025

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 9:30:00 +1200

The Central Otago Art Society have just finalised the details for a brand new initiative - the Central Otago Emerging Artist Scholarship 2025. This is their first annual scholarship program, and they're genuinely excited about the impact it could have on supporting local artistic talent.

Designed to support and nurture emerging artistic talent in the visual arts within the Central Otago region, this initiative aims to provide financial assistance for professional development opportunities, while fostering connections between emerging artists and the broader Central Otago community.

Value: $5,000 NZD
Eligibility: Emerging artists in the visual arts, with connections to the Central Otago region
Purpose: The scholarship funds are to be used exclusively for professional development within the arts, which may include, but is not limited to specialised tutoring or mentorship, workshops and courses, artist-grade materials and supplies, studio space rental (limited duration) and/or exhibition costs directly related to professional development.

For the purposes of this scholarship, an "emerging artist" is defined as an individual who:

Demonstrates serious commitment to their artistic practice
Is in the early stages of their artistic career (typically within the first 1–5 years)
Has not achieved commercial success or wide public recognition
Shows potential for significant artistic development and contribution to the cultural landscape of Central Otago

Applications will open July 1st, 2025. Further information and application forms will be available tomorrow.

Central high school musicians rip at rockquest

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 9:30:00 +1200

Click here to read this youth arts-related article. Thanks to The Central App for sharing the link.

DHS drama pupils planning trip to USA

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 9:30:00 +1200

Click here to read this youth arts-related article. Thanks to The Central App for sharing the link.

The Central App: Youth perspectives during Youth Week

Sat, 24 May 2025 9:30:00 +1200

Click here to read this youth arts-related article. Thanks to The Central App for sharing the link.

The Central App: Cromwell College pupils inspired and encouraged by YAMI summit

Fri, 16 May 2025 9:30:00 +1200

Click here to read this youth arts-related article.

Thanks to The Central App for sharing the link.

The Central App: Youth Week to foster creativity and confidence

Mon, 12 May 2025 9:30:00 +1200

Click here to read this youth arts-related article. Thanks to The Central App and local writer Anna Robb for sharing this content.

The Central App: Youth Week to foster creativity and confidence

Mon, 12 May 2025 9:30:00 +1200

Click here to read this youth arts-related article. Thanks to The Central App for sharing the link.

The Central App: Tune to air on Shortland St

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 9:30:00 +1200

Click here to read this youth arts-related article. Thanks to The Central App for sharing the link.

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 9:30:00 +1200

Click here to read this youth arts-related article. Thanks to The Central App for sharing the link.

The Central App: Cromwell College musos amped for YAMI summit

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 9:30:00 +1200

Click here to read this youth arts-related article. Thanks to The Central App for sharing the link.

What's On April and May 2025. Central Otago Youth Arts

Tue, 1 Apr 2025 9:30:00 +1200

What's On November and December 2024. Central Otago Youth Arts.

Fri, 1 Nov 2024 9:30:00 +1200

What's On September & October 2024. Central Otago Youth Arts.

Wed, 9 Oct 2024 9:30:00 +1200

Dorothy Piper recieves Premier Award at the 2024 Central Otago Art Society Blossom Festival Exhibition

Wed, 2 Oct 2024 9:30:00 +1200

Last Wednesday, coinciding with the opening of the Alexandra Blossom Festival, the Central Otago Art Society marked its 50th anniversary as an Incorporated Society. Originating in the early 1960s, it started as a small collective of passionate artists and art supporters from Alexandra, aiming to foster local arts. The society organised workshops, exhibitions, and classes, and worked towards becoming an incorporated entity. The group was formally established as the Central Otago Art Society (COAS) in 1974, adhering to a constitution that is still followed today - to promote art in Central Otago and to provide artists with opportunities to enhance their skills and display their work. The inaugural exhibition took place during the Alexandra Blossom Festival in 1963, a partnership that has been nurtured for the past 50 years. This year's Blossom Festival Art Exhibition is on show in the Henderson Gallery at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery. Approximately 100 works by 52 artists spanning Otago and Southland are on show. 'Milestones' is the special category for this year. There are seven sponsored categories, six awards were presented on the opening night. Award winners were Premier Award, Dorothy Piper, Runner Up, Sarah Friedburger, Highly Commended Debbie Malcolm, Highly Commended Fiona Hughes, Special Category, Kim Bungard and Elizabeth Stevens Memorial Award, Susan Stewart. Voting for the People's Choice award is underway and the winner will be announced this week.

Fundraiser for Mischa

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 9:30:00 +1200

Fourteen-year-old Cromwell College student Mischa Thomlinson has been selected to perform at the California Center for the Arts in San Diego, USA, this October. She is among a select group of young New Zealand performers chosen from across the country.

Mischa is currently fundraising for her trip to seize this unique opportunity. To support her efforts, the Cromwell College band 'Mistep', along with Grace Tiko and the music staff, will hold a performance on Thursday, 22nd August at 7pm at the Cromwell Presbyterian Church.

Tickets are available for $50, payable in cash, and include dessert along with tea and coffee. They can be obtained from the school office.

Be sure to attend and contribute to helping Mischa achieve her lifelong goal of becoming a professional singer.

If you are unable to attend the concert but would like to contribute, please click HERE to visit her Givealittle page.

Drawing Classes for Children from 8 years with Marion Vialade - Worch

Wed, 8 May 2024 9:30:00 +1200

Learn to Draw with Central Otago artist Marion Vialade.

Classes for children from 8 years, held in Alexandra.

Classes run from 8th May 2024 every Wednesday after school, 3.30pm - 5pm.

Contact Marion Vialade-Worch by email or text for more information and to book.

Phone 022 652 5036

Email marionvialade@gmail.com

Sam Duckor-Jones in Bannockburn

Fri, 1 Mar 2024 9:30:00 +1200

Bannockburn Arts are bringing poet Sam Duckor-Jones back to Bannockburn in April for a different style of poetry workshop - designed to cater for those who enthusiastically attend workshops, leave full of ideas, and then life gets in the way!

A weekend workshop on 13-14 April will be followed by 10 weekly get together sessions. Sam will set a poetry challenge and participants will be asked to get together to read the poem they have written. Sam will also work individually with participants to review their works.

Sam has completed a master's in creative writing at the International Institute of Modern Letters in 2017, for which he won the Biggs Family Prize. He has published two acclaimed collections of poetry: People Form the Pits Stand Up and Party Legend, which was long listed for the 2022 Ockham NZ Book Awards.

He has exhibited widely with artwork in private and public collections and is represented by Rowan Galleries. Sam’s current art project is the transformation of a derelict West Coast church into a public sculpture, Gloria of Greymouth. He spends his time between Wellington and Greymouth.

The course is open to all, regardless of whether you are a beginner, dabbler or an established poet. Two places in the small group workshop will be offered free to Central Otago secondary school students. Please encourage your young ones to enter.

For more information and to enrol visit www.bannockburnarts.co.nz.

Pastel Classes with NZ Master Pastellist Julie Greig - Maniototo

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 9:30:00 +1200

Pastel Schools 2024 with Julie Greig.

Venue - Maniototo Arts Centre - Ranfurly.

Contact julie@juliegreig.co.nz for further information and to enroll.

NZQA Top Art Folio Exhibition

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 9:30:00 +1200

Every year the Central Otago District Arts Trust brings to Alexandra the NZQA Top Art Folio Exhibition. This exhibition is a selection of 50 visual arts portfolios that gained excellence in NCEA level 3. Schools throughout Central Otago and the Central Lakes Districts are notified of the dates and times of this exhibition and they, along with the general public are invited to view these works at their leisure free of charge. CODAT sees this exhibition as being a wonderful resource for young people as well as an inspiration to others who choose to come along and view it. Keep an eye out on the arts website and Facebook - Central Otago Arts for dates and times for the next Top Art Exhibition or email info@centralotagoarts.com for further information.

Cromwell Pottery Group

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 9:30:00 +1200

Join the Cromwell Pottery Group located in the Heritage Precinct in Cromwell.

For further information email cromwellpotteryclub@gmail.com

Beginners Pottery Workshops with Kathi McLean

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 9:30:00 +1200

Central Otago artist Kathi McLean offers a series of Beginners Pottery Workshops through the year. In these classes you will be introduced to hand and wheel work and learn to make your own ceramic pieces. Classes are held in Alexandra Community House, Centennial Avenue, Alexandra. For further information contact Kathi McLean 021 025 28365

Central Otago Art Society 2024 Arts Workshops

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 9:30:00 +1200

The Central Otago Art Society will hold a series of Arts Workshops across a range of disciplines throughout 2024. To see what is happening now and/ or what is coming up visit the Central Otago Art Society Facebook page.

Email centralotagoartsociety@gmail.com

Phone Judy 021 147 9289

Celebrating the Cromwell Multicultural Mural Project in conjunction with Bislama Lanuguage Week.

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 9:30:00 +1200

The Cromwell Multicultural Mural Project Celebration

Earlier this year the Central Otago District Arts Trust and Welcoming Communities Central Otago collaborated on a project designed to welcome cultural diversity in our community. Renowned Street Artist Ling was commissioned to complete the work which explores the diverse, dynamic and evolving nature of our community and the power of sport to facilitate integration, connection and belonging. The work depicts the faces of six Central Otago people who represent those who have been welcomed and those who welcome others into our area.

The official unveiling of the mural took place on the 12th of November alongside the celebration of Bislama Language Week. An official blessing was held followed by speeches by several members of the local community.

Ettrick Local Molly Marsh wins Excellence at the Hokonui Fashion Design Awards

Tue, 1 Aug 2023 9:30:00 +1200

Otago Polytechnic Fashion Design student and Ettrick local Molly Marsh won the collections open section and the Mataura Licensing Trust award of excellence for her tennis-inspired collection, drawing on memories of her childhood spent in Central Otago playing tennis with her family.

The awards were judged by Liam Bowden of Deadly Ponies, Vicki Taylor of Taylor Boutique and Steve Dunstan of Huffer.

Locals Celebrating Wool at the Clyde Tennis C;ub

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 9:30:00 +1200

Clyde Tennis Club felt like celebrating woollen products after one of its members Stan Randle regularly arrived in beautifully handknitted jerseys by his wife Daphne. Over the year's Daphne has been a regular entrant and award winner of the prestigious WoolOn Fashion Event.

Matariki weekend also reminded us of our past and plans for our future as a Club. Tennis has an active following across Central Otago and we welcome new members at Clyde. Sunday morning at 9 am join us for a relaxed social doubles morning followed by coffee at the Post Office Cafe. Photos capture some of the smiles, knits and activity on Sunday 16 July. We hope to have another dress up morning in November.

Mike Prouting for the Tennis Club Committee.

The Cromwell Multicultural Mural Project

Thu, 8 Jun 2023 9:30:00 +1200

Frequent users of the Alpha Street Reserve in Cromwell have been treated to a creative transformation of the Alpha Street Pavilion over the past couple of weeks. The large-scale street art installation features the faces of our community and acknowledges the role that sport plays in bringing people together. Subtle symbolism in the work references those themes. The Central Otago District Arts Trust, in partnership with Central Otago District Council’s Welcoming Communities commissioned the artwork.

The Central Otago District Arts Trust (CODAT) recognises a growing enthusiasm for public art projects across the district. The Cromwell Multicultural Mural was an ideal opportunity to continue to support diverse art genres by bringing a street art project to the community.

Welcoming Communities supported this project through a grant from the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment to support connections between newcomers and members of the community. CODAT applied for further funds from various organisations across the South Island to enable the project to go ahead,

The renowned street artist “Ling” has strong ties to Cromwell and was thrilled to explore and nurture those connections to the community. “Spending time in the community and listening to the comments of those who stopped by reinforced the level of interest in the project,” the artist said. “It shows how much the community cares.”

Ling met individually with each of the people featured in the art and commented: “Those interactions are important as it allows individual personalities to come alive. Portraits involve exploring both the physical attributes and the personality behind the face.” He said it was “nice to celebrate and reinforce how multicultural Cromwell is.” I’ve enjoyed sharing stories and being part of welcoming people into the community through this artwork.”

Throughout the duration of the project CODAT implemented a visit by Cromwell College pupils to the site. Matt spoke with around 25 pupils about his profession and demonstrated various processes and techniques.

Going by the feedback so far, the art has been well received by the community and will stand the test of time, providing a launching pad for even more adventurous projects in the future..

Woolon 2023

Wed, 1 Mar 2023 9:30:00 +1200

WoolOn Awards, 2023.

WoolOn is one of New Zealand’s iconic fashion events, encouraging both new and experienced designers to create visual, wearable pieces using New Zealand's most sustainable wool fibres. The wool fibre definition has been expanded to include alpaca, cashmere, angora goat and mohair along with the traditional sheep.

This year thinking about the current economic situation and the time and expense of creating these magnificent pieces WoolOn has decided any entry that has been shown in another competition prior to entering WoolOn is eligible for entry into the WoolOn Creative Fashion Awards provided it has not won the same category entered or overall.

There has also been an update to the Categories and Awards for the 2023 event.

This year organisers are welcoming entries from the following categories:

Streetwear - A versatile daytime outfit with strong directional modern looks.
Avant-Garde - A garment that delights in the unconventional and unexpected.
Special Occasion - A glamorous outfit for formal occasions or special events.
Collections - Three complete cohesive looks with a common design theme.
Felted - Utilising techniques to highlight felts uniqueness and versatility.
Toi Tu ki Uruuruwhenua - Draw inspiration from culture across Aotearoa.
Hand-Crafted - Innovative use of hand-crafted techniques including knitted, crocheted, woven, needlepoint.
Accessories - Design and hand-crafted shoes, jewellery, scarves, wraps/ capes or headwear.
Knitwear - A garment created through, machine knit, hand machine knit or hand needle knit.
Sustainable Wool - Use pre-loved wool to forge new ground that’s innovative and fashion-forward.

MORE INFO

Awards:

Novice
Technique Award
Menswear Award
People's Choice Award
U23 Emerging Designer Award
School Designer Award
Supreme Award

All categories include both male and female design.

Prizes: Supreme Winner $5,000 prize package, Runner-up $2,500 prize package, Second Runner-up $1,500 prize package.

MORE INFO

To enter, download and complete the entry forms from www.woolon.co.nz and return them via email to designers@woolon.co.nz.

Form A & B to be emailed in by 3rd May 2023.

Form C to be emailed to designers@woolon.co.nz and one copy must be sent with completed garments to be received by 16th July 2023.

For any queries please contact our WoolOn Designer Liaison team leader Jamie Richards at designers@woolon.co.nz.

Wanaka Autumn Arts School - Registrations Open

Thu, 2 Feb 2023 9:30:00 +1200

Registrations are now open for the Upper Clutha Community Arts Council's 32nd Annual Autumn Art School, happening on April 17 - 21 at Mt Aspiring College in Wanaka.

Classes include Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Creative Writing and much more. All classes stretch across 5 days except for Fly Fishing which is 3 days.

For further information and to book visit autumnartschool.net.nz

Cover to Cover with Fiona Sussman

Sat, 3 Dec 2022 9:30:00 +1200

The Merchant of Clyde café was filled to capacity with a very appreciative audience, for the inaugural Cover to Cover Authors Talk event on Friday evening, 2nd December. Fiona Sussman is an award-winning novelist and short story writer whose work has been published internationally. Fiona read excerpts from her fourth, and latest novel, The Doctor’s Wife. Published in October this year, this latest novel has already been listed in The Listener Best Books for 2022, where they describe it as “a fine thriller that hooks readers in early and never lets up”. Fiona then chatted with local Clyde writer Annie Villiers about her previous life - growing up in a book-loving, publishing family in Johannesburg, South Africa; emigrating to New Zealand 32 years ago; working as a GP in Auckland and subsequently following her passion and making the career change from medicine to writing full time. This was a hugely successful event in a delightfully intimate environment – eagerly awaited after two postponements – and planning will start soon for two more Cover to Cover events in 2023. Keep an eye out on our website centralotagoarts.co.nz and Facebook page Central Otago Arts for updates.

Matt Galloway - The Power that Flows Through Us

Thu, 1 Dec 2022 9:30:00 +1200

The Power that Flows Through Us is a new, multi-site public installation by Matthew Galloway, employing drone footage, sculpture, archival political cartoons and a newspaper publication to examine the socio-political context of Robert Muldoon’s Think Big initiative, with a specific focus on the legacy and impact of the Clyde Dam. With contributions from poet Brian Turner, writer Tina Ngata, and interviews with Edward Ellison, Kevin Jackson, Neil Gillespie and Duncan Faulkner, The Power that Flows Through Us updates and continues discussions around the legacy of Think Big. Belonging to an ongoing inquiry by the artist into the narratives around renewable energy, this project considers at once the generation of electrical power—through the extraction and transformation of natural resources—and the creation, distribution and exercise of political power.
This project has been made possible with funding from Manat? Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, and Creative New Zealand.

The installations are located at the Clyde Museum and in the Heritage Precinct. The Power that Flows Through Us FREE newspaper can be collected across Central Otago and the Lakes Districts.

Matthew Galloway is an artist, designer and researcher based in ?tepoti Dunedin. His research-based practice asks questions of our built environment; examining events, systems and ideas that shape our collective sense of place and identity. His work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions at a number of major institutions both throughout Aotearoa, and internationally.

The Power that Flows Through Us

Tue, 1 Nov 2022 9:30:00 +1200

The Central Otago District Arts Trust have been working with Matthew Galloway to bring a public art project examining the political, social and environmental legacy of the Clyde Dam to Central Otago in late November 2022.

The Power that Flows Through Us updates and continues discussions around the legacy of Think Big; asking us to wade into the grey area between what is lost, and what is gained.

The Power that Flows Through Us, by Matt Galloway

Tue, 1 Nov 2022 9:30:00 +1200

The Power that Flows Through Us, by Dunedin based artist Matthew Galloway will be installed in multiple locations across the district and will employ drone footage, sculpture, political cartoons and a newspaper publication to examine the socio-political context of Robert Muldoon’s Think Big initiative, with a specific focus on the legacy and impact of the Clyde Dam. With contributions from Brian Turner, Tina Ngata, and interviews with Edward Ellison, Kevin Jackson, Neil Gillispie and Duncan Faulkner, The Power that Flows Through Us updates and continues discussions around the legacy of Think Big; asking us to wade into the grey area between what is lost, and what is gained. Keep an eye out on the Central Otago Arts Facebook page for updates on this.

Artists of Bannockburn features up and coming Filmaker

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 9:30:00 +1200

Bannockburn Arts is excited to welcome the very youthful Ben Young to the ARTISTS OF BANNOCKBURN EXHIBITION this year. Ben Young is an 11 year-old filmmaker with a BIG future. He has recently made his second film; a ‘nearly silent’ short film called CRASH which we will be playing in the woolshed at this year’s Artists of Bannockburn Exhibition. Not only is Ben a part time resident of Bannockburn, but the film is set in the region, with many Bannockburn residents playing cameo parts. You know who you are… but do your friends and family know about these hidden talents? In Ben’s words: “It’s the 1930’s in Otago and two young, impoverished brothers are tempted into a life of crime…but regret their choice when knocked unconscious and given a glimpse of their ultimate fate.” We have a little trailer to tempt you…Ben himself will be at the opening on Friday 7th between 5pm and 7pm and over the weekend between 10am and 12pm. The film is 15 minutes long and so pop in anytime we will keep it rolling. Not only do you get to see this fun adventure, but you also get to peruse and buy some wonderful local art and support the Artists of Bannockburn in the unique environment that is the Cairnmuir Station woolshed.

For a sneak peak of Crash, click HERE

Calling for Submissions

Fri, 12 Aug 2022 9:30:00 +1200

Calling all Central Otago artists!

Chorus is once again partnering with Central Otago District Council and the Central Otago Arts Trust to bring more art to your neighbourhood with its cabinet art programme. Artists are encouraged to get their designs in by 31 August Five Chorus cabinets have been chosen – two in Alexandra, and the others in Cromwell, Patearoa and Ranfurly – that we would love local artists to beautify.Need inspiration? Head to www.chorus.co.nz/blog/cabinet-art-gallery/ to see the diversity of cabinet art from across Aotearoa New Zealand.Got questions contact nikki.aaron@codc.govt.nz or Rebekah de Jong at info@centralotagoarts.com for more information. Submit your application at: www.chorus.co.nz/community/cabinet-art-programme by 31 August

.Pictured: a montage of last year's mural art.

June News

Wed, 1 Jun 2022 9:30:00 +1200

The media have been covering some fantastic stories of creativity in New Zealand recently. A couple of weeks ago I managed to catch a news piece on New Zealand artist and poet Sam Duckor-Jones who decided to move from his house in Wellington, but struggled to find an affordable home to settle in. After searching the internet for the cheapest house in New Zealand he found and purchased the St Andrew's Anglican Church, built in 1936, in Greymouth. The story followed his renovation of the building and its transformation from a previously unoccupied church into a pink work of art named 'Gloria'. Shortly after this piece, Ruth Shaw, and her interesting endeavours, made the news. Ruth Shaw will be sharing her memoir 'The Bookseller at the End of the World' in A Literary Evening with Ruth Shaw on the 15th June in Cromwell. Ruth has led an extraordinary life. She has sailed extensively through the Pacific and the South China Sea, been held up by pirates, worked in Sydney’s Kings Cross with drug addicts and prostitutes, campaigned on numerous environmental issues, and owned and operated the yacht ‘Breaksea Girl’ with her husband, Lance. She also owns three bookstores in Fiorldland. Make sure you get along to hear more of her stories.

There is more great stuff happening in Central Otago in June. The Central Otago District Arts Trust are bringing Top Art to Alexandra again this month. Top Art is an annual touring exhibition featuring a selection of the NCEA Level 3 portfolios that achieved Excellence in Visual Art in the previous year. Five streams are covered: design, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. This exhibition will be on show at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, Centennial Avenue, Alexandra. Also on at Central Stories is Winterstellar. This astrophotography and videography exhibition shares photographic works of Otago and Southland night skies by both experienced photographers and those just starting out. Winterstellar is an annual event focusing on the Central Otago night skies and Matariki. Celebrate Matariki in the Maniototo by visiting Naseby and enjoying the fantastic collection of events the community have organised.

In July Cromwell will be celebrating with Light up Winter. Light up Winter transforms The Mall into a wonderland of fairy lights, magical light installations, and decorated shop fronts. The evening offers live music, roaming street performers, a creative cave, disco on ice and a vibrant night market with food, drink, and craft stalls. A mass release of lanterns light up the night sky and provide a visual feast and some spectacular photo opportunities. The Light up Winter people need your support to keep this event free for the community to attend. They are asking those who are able, to support the event by means of a donation on their website lightupwinter.co.nz.

Ace '22 a Success

Sun, 1 May 2022 9:30:00 +1200

The inaugural ACE '22 Exhibition happened over the Easter break in Cromwell. Ace '22 was initiated by Arts Central, born from a desire showcase the works of established artists as well as to encourage participation by local artists who wouldn't normally show their work. New categories such as jewellery, wood making and textiles were included in the exhibition criteria - broadening the usual interpretation of creative art.

Exhibition organiser Victoria Dawes said, 'It was a great privilege to be able to work and learn from so many members of Cromwell’s creative community throughout the process of organising the ACE ’22 exhibition. I was especially delighted to work with multiple artists that have never exhibited their work before'.

Congratulations to the Award Winners: OCTA Gallery Award - Howard Krieg for his comic illustrations. Best in Show - Jo Ryan for her hand-woven wool scarves. Highly Commended - Andrew Bride, Aimee Bunnage and Grace Naylor.

It is positive to see new initiatives such as the ACE '22 be successful and we look forward to Ace '23 next year.

Landscape features in Power of the Dog

Fri, 1 Apr 2022 9:30:00 +1200

The Power of the Dog has attracted plenty of international media attention recently - being nominated for 12 Oscars across a range of categories. Scenes from this movie were filmed in Central Otago locations including the Maniototo and Bannockburn. The dry, barren nature of the Bannockburn Sluicing’s, the dust, schist and weathered land formations and the wide-open spaces of the Maniototo, the sky and rolling ranges of the Hawkduns feature heavily in the film. It is easy to imagine visitors could be drawn to the region off the back of these scenes and The Power of the Dog adds to the notion that Central Otago is a place from which world class artists draw inspiration. Central inspires art - be it film, poems, painting and more and we hope to be welcoming more renowned movie makers to paradise off the back of these accolades.

Eden Hore: High Fashion/ High Country

Tue, 1 Mar 2022 9:30:00 +1200

“Ahead of his time and captivated by all things exotic, Central Otago high country farmer Eden Hore amassed a collection of avant-garde high fashion garments during the 1970s. This exhibition brings together his most glamorous gowns, with new imagery shot by photographer Derek Henderson” [The Dowse, 2021].

On a recent trip to Wellington, visiting the exhibition was a priority and it delivered a rewarding experience. It was pleasing to see many other patrons enjoying the experience of this high country fashion story as well – learning about the story of Eden Hore and his place in Central Otago to the rest of New Zealand.

The collection was described as “something of a fabric-o-holic’s dream”, dating from a time when New Zealand’s designers had access to numerous fabric suppliers, where they could pore over a kaleidoscope of textures and colours. They could choose from delicate and intricate laces, embroidered fabrics, lurex knits, rich printed velvets, metallic threads and glimmering sequins. These days are no longer with us to the same extent – although happily, slow fashion is starting to make a statement in our world of ‘fast-everything’.

It was a wonderfully nostalgic moment to see garments from the studio of the great Vinka Lucas. In past times, her workshop was in the same building as our pharmacy in Auckland’s Queen Street. Vinka was a formidable character with her immaculate presentation, European flair and straightforward no-nonsense personality. She knew exactly what she wanted and how her beautiful garments on show at The Dowse represented her philosophy of producing perfection every time. Vinka shopped with us almost daily, for Dylon cold water dyes. She hand dyed many of the accessories – shoes, handbags, feathers, hairpieces – which complemented her garments.

But how to present 25 glamorous gowns, and a collection of world class photographs, alongside the Eden Hore story? Well, the experts have triumphed here. Such a simple, classic, big-sky neutral environment has been created – soft cloud-like formations (or are they fleeces?) provide the canvas for displaying the garments; dappled light through leaves plays on the walls. And growing out of the ground to support, protect and tower above the exhibits are cylinders of different heights – are they fence posts?

We lived in Naseby for ten years and took many of our guests and visitors up to Glenshee Station to view the Eden Hore Collection – including one of the models who remembered some of the garments well. What a privilege it was to view the one-off offerings from Alexandra’s Pat Hewitt and Eleanor Joel and to recognise these garments as works of art in their very own gallery space.

Jan Bean

Meet Gretl Barzotto

Thu, 3 Feb 2022 9:30:00 +1200

It would be fair to say that Gretl Lukas and Andrea Barzotto are a couple with a truly cosmopolitan background.

Andrea came to New Zealand from the Friuli region on northwestern Italy - Gretl's father emigrated to New Zealand from Austria. It is not surprising then, that holiday times in Gretl's early years in Wellington were spent enjoying hiking and skiing the great outdoors with her family. She delighted in the discoveries and exploration of the land, earth, water and sky around her - and this encouraged her to see the natural world differently from an early age. There are the mountains, the rivers - and the mysterious 'in-between'.

Did these early discoveries of nature play a part in the couple's decision to settle in Central Otago? Do they play a significant role in Gretl's art practice?

Gretl's keen eye for design and detail was always present. She describes herself as a 'natural sketcher and drawer' and began her career in architectural draughting. This was followed by design school in Sydney and then a very successful career as an interior designer for more than three decades, based in Auckland - and now in Central Otago.

Whereas Gretls interior design practice involves detailed two-dimensional drawings (all by hand), spatial awareness and technical skill, there is definite gestural freedom and flexibility to be found in her art work - she has recently completed a Visual Art degree. There is an element of chance and improvisation, a loss of control - an emotional aspect, if you like, in her work.

Never one to represent ' a tree for tree's sake', Gretl strives to put memory and emotion into her art spaces and encourage the viewer to seek out the very essence of her vision. There will always be a reference point - a story - the rock, the gold, water, sky, earth - all the while keeping these considered works fresh and contemporary. Try to picture yourself in one of her abstract landscapes - maybe not a recognisable landscape - but let your eye and mind run a little free and wild!

She has a fascination with paper and all its qualities - the texture, the edges and folds - its fragility yet versatility and its ability to be manipulated. And she mixes her own inks and pigments - how else would she obtain numerous shades of black? You can peruse some of Gretl's work at the Eade Gallery in Clyde and later this year, by appointment, at her studio.

Together Gretl and Andrea make a great design team. Andrea trained as an architect in Venice, Italy and he too has a keen eye for design and detail - along with 'very green fingers', according to Gretl. One of his first projects in his home town in Italy was the design of a small municipal park incorporating planting and a natural spring. Once settled in Auckland, his creative skills led him to specialist bathroom design, Now the couple works together, as Barzotto Studios, on design and architectural projects. Andrea is a keen fisherman, at home on and on the water and together they cycle and hike.

But back to Central Otago - after several visits south their love for the region had grown too strong to ignore. It conjured up a lifestyle reminiscent of their times spent in Europe, and they especially enjoyed he wonderful local food and wine. So, a piece of land was purchased on Mc Arthur Ridge, and another - this time, very personal home design and build project was born. The first instalment of their project is now finished and work is underway on Gretl's painting studio, due for completion soon. And they have recently been excited to taste the first oil from their planting of 120 olive trees.

Now the Barzotto team are full time in Central Otago residents and loving whatever surprises every new day brings.

Millers Flat Chorus Cabinet Designed and Painted by Sally Jory

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 9:30:00 +1200

Central Otago artist Sally Jory completed her Chorus Cabinet commission in Millers Flat in early November. The Chorus Cabinet art programme is a Chorus initiative which began in 2010 with a test pilot in Auckland to try and reduce the amount of vandalism to telecommunication cabinets. It proved so successful they have extended it throughout the country and now complete an average of 100 murals a year. The programme is proving invaluable as a way to help promote a sense of community belonging, identity and pride.

For the past two years Nikki Aaron from the Central Otago District Council and Rebekah de Jong from the Central Otago District Arts Trust have been working on making the most of this initiative by identifying and advertising boxes available to decorate across the Central Otago District. Rebekah says, "This initiative is a really good opportunity to add some vibrancy and character to the streets of Central Otago and see the works of our artists in public spaces. Equally, many of these designs tell stories of the area and encourage further exploration of the topic and environs."

After talking to locals in Millers Flat Sally settled on a telecommunications theme which references the early days of telephony, when companies used manual switchboard and switchboard operators connected calls by inserting a pair of phone plugs into the appropriate jacks.

The Chorus Box work is one of a number of Sally's mural works in and around Millers Flat.

National Business Award Won by Maniototo Photographer

Mon, 1 Nov 2021 9:30:00 +1200

Janyne Fletcher's distinctive works tell the stories of the landscapes of Central Otago and it's people. Beyond simply documenting what she sees Janyne incorporates her thoughts and feelings into her works to construct evocative, reflective and contemporary images. Janyne has a long association with photography, initially armed with her mothers Instamatic camera, she has been photographing 'stuff' from an early age. She has been inspired to branch out from a traditional photography business to the area of creative fine art and landscape photography - Janyne edits and frames all of her works and regards playing with a media, mounts and framing as an integral part of her creative process. Janyne has a gallery/ workshop on the main street of Ranfurly where she does exactly that. Her contemporary and creative photography has earned her a number of Nationally and Internationallly recognised distinctions. The latest being the creative arts award category in the 2021 NZI Rural Women New Zealand Business Awards. The announcement of the overall supreme winner will take place later this year.

WoolOn Fashion Flag Flies High

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 9:30:00 +1200

The iconic WoolOn Fashion Event has burst back into life on New Zealand's fashion calendar having just completed three successful days of fashion, fun, learning and of course all things wool.

WoolOn 2021 attracted a skill level and put on a show that judge and creator of Touch Yarns, Marnie Kelly commented were on par with any other high-quality fashion event across New Zealand.

The Supreme Award went to Simone Montgomery from Port Chalmers with her edgier, modern take on streetwear 'Safety Dance'. The Supreme Award first runner-up was Charlotte Hurley from Alexandra with her design created from old hospital blankets 'From Ward to Wine'. This stylish full-length fitted dress and clutch also won the Re-Purposed category. Supreme Award winner second runner was Laurel Judd of Napier with her design 'Tokyo'. Laurel won the Handcrafted, Accessories, and Avant-Garde categories and received the Technique Award.

WoolOn 2021 saw an award given for the best entry from a school student from across all categories. The Schools Award winner was Maddie Wellbrock of Masterton with her ensemble 'Rewa Rewa'.

The Matau-Au award for cultural interpretation was awarded to 7-year-old Alexandra Primary School student Sophia Hinsen with 'Hot and Cold', a crossbody bag she had needle felted herself.

Chair of the WoolOn governance committee Mrs Mary Hinsen said putting ib e event has been a leap of faith but the result has surpassed all expectations.

"We couldn't have done it without our hard-working committee, amazing community, designers, sponsors, and everyone who helped make WoolOn 2021 such a success.

Eade Gallery - Emerging Artists Initiative

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 9:30:00 +1200

Eade Gallery will present the first of their Emerging Artist Solo Exhibitions in May, 2021 with 'Dreamscapes', an exhibition of watercolours by Thomas Geddes.

A solo exhibition can be a daunting process for established artists let alone an artist who has not shown their work before. Rex and Melanie Eade of Eade Gallery work alongside the artist for months mentoring them through the stages of preparing for their exhibition.

Thomas Geddes has been chosen as their first emerging artist for his refreshing and unique approach to the use of watercolour, the reasoning behind its use, and the surreal quality of his inherently New Zealand landscapes. He recently graduated from Whitecliff College of Art and Design in Auckland. Thomas Geddes will often change mediums to better suit the work he is making. In recent years, alongside watercolour, he explored the moving image through sculpture and installation. Different media allows different ways of approaching questions around the animate nature of the world, the ways we interact with our environments, and the seemingly arbitrary distinctions we draw between nature and humanity, self and other.

Dreamscapes will be on show from May the 2nd at Eade Gallery, Holloway Street, Clyde.

Annemarie Hope-Cross's Still Series purchased by Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 9:30:00 +1200

We love to hear news of the significant successes of our Central Otago artists on a national and international level and are excited to report that Te Papa Museum of New Zealand has purchased an edition of Annemarie Hope-Cross's Still Series part of her larger body of work entitled The Heidelberg Project. These nine images were the first works Annemarie made in response to her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

We asked Annemarie to tell us more about these images, the inspiration and the processes which led to the creation of her collection of works.

The Still series came about because I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 10th August 2017. The diagnosis came two days after my 49th birthday and the date of my grandfather HHC's birthday. The next morning I woke at 5.15 am remembering the pharmacy museum bottles at the Heidleberg Museum in Germany which I had visited in 2002. Those Pharmacy museum bottles had been in my mind as something I wanted to make images about, but I was never quite sure how....at 5.15 am on the 11th of August 2018 I could visualise these images.

The series was intrinsically linked to my diagnosis. I knew I would need chemo, major surgery and radiation. All these hideous things meant I needed to focus on creating something positive, as I was able. I was exhausted - making slow images with a mousetrap camera to create photogenic drawing paper negatives, with exposure times of up to eight hours allowed me periods where I could rest in between.

The bottles, inspired by the Heidelberg Pharmacy Museum prompted recollections of bottles of photographic chemicals from my grandfather, a bottle of perfume my father gave to my mother...bottles are receptacles for many things, healing herbs and medicines, nourishing creams, food and wine. To me, they speak of memories and are perhaps allegories for life.

Inherent in my photogenic drawing images are the links to Lacock Abbey in the UK where I learnt the photogenic drawing process - the first photographic process from which a positive image can be made. William Henry Fox Talbot the inventor of the photogenic drawing process, and the first photographic process from which reproductions could be made, inspires me. I was mindful of some of his early camera images in the making of this series. He was very interested in botanical specimens too, as am I, hence their inclusion in these and many of my other works. The Still Series and more of Annemarie's photographic works can be viewed on her webpage www.annemariehopecross.com.

Arts Gold Awards 2021

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 9:30:00 +1200

abdc

Chatter Box Central

Mon, 7 Dec 2020 9:30:00 +1200

Speech and Drama
Public Speaking and Communication
English for Speakers of Other Languages
Theatre in Action
Speech NZ Examinations

Chatterbox Central will be launching classes in February 2021. Heather offers speech and drama lessons to build self-esteem, communication skills and creativity in a supportive environment.

Each term's lessons will develop performance through role-play and improvisation, articulation and vocal skills, public speaking, presentation of poetry and reading aloud.

For more information contact Heather Harries;

027 240 0499

heatherchatterbox@gmail.com

Alan Waters - Article by Bethany G Rodgers courtesy of Arty-Facts December Newsletter 2020

Mon, 7 Dec 2020 9:30:00 +1200

A ‘T’ in a cup and the magic of ideas
On Alan Water’s final exhibition
“There’s not a lot to it, but there’s something to it… you just need to look and have a
think…”
Artist Alan Waters is holding out a large white teacup in a shaking hand. The teacup has a black paper ‘T’ in it and he’s asking me to guess what it is.
“It’s black tea,” he smiles.
“But I drink my tea with milk… so that’s hard for me to guess!” I argue.
So, he shows me the LIGHT at the end of a tunnel he’s made – I have to hold the large tube up to the light to see it. Then there’s an abacus, no more than 1cm high, with one hundred individually made beads on it. And paintings, dozens of extraordinary watercolour paintings in a style that can only be attributed to Alan Waters.

The extraordinary work of Alan Waters
All of Alan’s artwork requires a second look and further thought. Inside jokes, unexpected meanings and surreal yet moving symbolism plays a big part in Alan’s works. He’s worked as an artist full-time for more than 35 years and spent many years in the UK and Australia working as a furniture maker, a toy designer and even as a miniaturist – creating tiny pieces of furniture for doll’s houses.
But it’s his striking watercolour paintings he’s best known for.
So, why watercolour?
“Well, it is in my name,” he jokes.
He explains he completed a Fine and Applied Arts degree in 1973; “That didn’t help me, but what it did was set my sights on a career – though I never thought about it in that manner.”
Alan moved to London and worked as a furniture maker. He did a wood-turning course with a New Zealander called Mr Tibbets, who’d use a giant lathe to turn telegraph poles.
“That was wonderful. So, I thought: can I make something in the opposite direction?”
Alan used his knowledge of toy-making, furniture-making and antiques to create miniatures. He became renowned in the ‘miniature world’ for his off-centre turnings (something that’s very difficult to do) and moving pieces like tiny, adjustable music stands and moving toys.
A 1986 edition of ‘Nutshell News’ – an American publication for miniatures hobbyists - gushed:
“He makes all of his clock faces, bezel rings, finals in wood or metal, and does spiral turnings down to 1/6” in either leg or right.”

The Ah-ha! moment
When living in Australia, walking home from a summer fete, Alan says he had an ‘Ah-Ha!’ moment. He saw a banksia branch lying on the ground and picked it up because he thought it was very beautiful.
At this moment, he heard a voice: “Alan, you have to paint for the rest of your life.”
And so, Alan has painted ever since. He still has the painting of the banksia branch, amongst draws and stacks of paintings, sculptures and other art pieces created over the years.
“Those were magic words,” Alan says. “I was so chuffed to have finally found something…”
He says his unusual watercolour technique comes from his desire to control the process and this is why his bold, sharp style is so different from the traditionally loose watercolour painting style.
“I wanted to be the boss and not let the watercolours, not let the medium, tell me what to do […] It took practice. Perseverance.”

On the contrary, ideas are allowed to run wild. He says he knows where ideas come from: “I would put money on you finding ideas if you follow my techniques.”
“[M]y technique is […] Believing in yourself, believing in your skills. Then watching and waiting.
“You leave the ideas alone, they’ll come to you when they’re ready.
“[Ideas] come into my head… from there, into my hands and into my paintings and drawings.
It’s such a wonderful sensation to connect with an inanimate object like a leaf, a flower or a button or a policeman’s whistle.”
When asked if playing word games and using idea-creating challenges was part of his technique, he responds:
“Oh no, I just leave it alone. I just say: I’d like an idea please… you always have to be polite.
It’s never let me down, in all these years. It’s just like magic. You’re conjuring up something...some unusual aspect of something.”

Alan’s final exhibition
After many years of exhibitions, multiple art awards, TV documentaries and being sought after as an art tutor and judge, Alan has decided to hold one last exhibition.
Working with Kate Blomfield of TANTRA art, the exhibition will run at Queenstown Contemporary (36 Grant Road, Five Mile) from 20th December 2020 – 10th January 2021.
An opening night preview will be held on 19th December from 5 pm.
The onset of Parkinson’s disease means Alan will stop producing paintings. Many of the artworks will be for sale, so this could be your last chance to include one of Alan’s works in
your collection.
It’ll also be a celebration of Alan’s life and artwork over the past 35+ years.
See more:
Alan Waters: www.alanwatersart.co.nz/about
Queenstown Contemporary: www.qtcontemporary.com
TANTRA art: www.tantra-art.com

Winner of the 2021 Kay Todd Memorial Photography Award 2021

Mon, 7 Dec 2020 9:30:00 +1200

Winner of the Kay Todd Memorial Photography Award 20921 is Josephine Plimmer from Mt Aspiring College. Jose says, "this piece was part of a series for my Level 3 Photography board. I wanted to bring focus to how the subject matter captures the light and transforms it, rather than the focus on the objects themselves. I wanted people to see past the physicality of a table and some glass bottles and simply see an interaction of light and glass. The layers of light and shadow create an opportunity to appreciate the colours and shapes for what they are, rather than what they are used for."

Kay Todd was a founding member of Hullabaloo Art Space and a true stalwart of the gallery. As an artist, she produced some stunning photographs for which she won a number of awards. This photography award was set up to remember Kay.

Tall Poppy Real Estate Viewer's Choice Awarded to Auckland Based Artist Chirag Jindall. Arts Gold Awards 2019.

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 9:30:00 +1200

The closing of the 2019 Arts Gold Awards was celebrated at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in Alexandra on Friday with the announcement of the Tall Poppy Real Estate Viewers Choice Award. This was won by artist Chirag Jindal with his work titled 'No. 9, Ambury Road'. Following is the backstory to this work.

Drawing upon his background in architectural studies, Auckland - based artist Chirag Jindal works at the intersection of documentary journalism, new media art and contemporary cartography. His current practice explores his subjects through the gaze of terrestrial LiDAR - an emerging form of laser imaging applied in surveying landscapes built environments and archaeological ruins. Using light as a medium, this instrument registers its surroundings as millions of precisely-measured points, translating the physical world into a digital facsimile. Colour is sourced from a traditional photographic process, where the saturated hues of textures and surfaces are mapped onto each individual point of data.

Jindal's debut project, Into The Underworld / Nga Mahi Rarowhenua, employs this technique to document the lava caves of Auckland - a mythified, dilapidated landscape devastated by a century of rapid urban sprawl. Once the site of urupa, war shelters and mushroom farms, the caves are considered wahi tapu by local iwi and are unique to the city's volcanic region. They are now found under the suburban boundaries of the city, where construction debris, stormwater pipes and rubbish heaps litter the inside. Reduced to urban myth, their existence is no longer common knowledge and ongoing discoveries are ignored by the developers that destroy them.

Collaborating with local landowners, mana whenua and city council, Jindal has crawled through roadside manholes and backyard grottoes to document 11 sites across the city, Through exercises in exploring, mapping and revealing, the project takes an empirical approach to bring something fictionalised and unseen into the domain of public visibility, casting a new mode of light on something to be recognised, preserved and managed as a shared heritage.

Arts on Tour NZ - Central to the Soul', South Island Premiere Screening.

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 9:30:00 +1200

Continuously showing films since 1897, the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre now welcomes the South Island Premiere of Central to the Soul.

Selected for the prestigious 14th International Doc Edge Festival earlier this year, Central to the Soul had a world premiere in Auckland and Wellington.

Now the film is coming home to where it was filmed, featuring the Roxburgh Pioneer Energy Brass Band, the Town Hall and snapshots of local personalities, stories and locations throughout Central Otago.

The dam at Clyde, Lake Dunstan, the loss of orchards and the rise of vineyards, the money and the movers all tell the story of communities in motion.

Director and film maker Bill Morris illustrates his film with performances from Hopetoun Brown in Tarras Hall, Adam Mc Grath in Arrowtown, Helen Webby in Bannockburn, Flora Knight and Sean Donald in Lowburn, Michael Hurst in Roxburgh and Rollicking Entertainment at large. He gently and subtly examines these stunningly beautiful locations, as folk gather to enjoy performances throughout the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes district.

Jim Mora reviewing the film on RNZ said "I have one criticism of the film....it could have been twice as long...beautiful shooting...so charming and moving the way it capture communities."

Central to the Soul - a film by Bill Morris and Arts on Tour NZ. Much more than a Music Film.

Supported by Creative New Zealand, Otago Community Trust, Central Lakes Trust and Arts on Tour NZ Trust.

The Rise of Ukuleles in New Zealand Schools. By Cassandra Moore.

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 9:30:00 +1200

The Rise of Ukuleles in New Zealand Schools.

Art and music are an essential part of the curriculum in New Zealand. They enrich students lives, allow then to be creative and expressive in a very original way. They also have a knock-on for other subjects, in fact studies have shown that students that actively participate in music and the arts average 7-12 points higher on the key academic subjects, including English, math and the sciences. To be able to afford a widespread music programme in Otago, many schools have begun to teach a humble, but very special instrument - the ukulele and is has been a resounding success. If the Annual Otago Uke Jam is anything to go by, it is certain the ukulele is here to stay.

Why the ukulele?

The ukulele is relatively inexpensive to purchase - you can buy one for less than $15. They are small enough to be played by 7 year olds, but have enough versatility that they are enjoyed by adults too. You just have to listen to the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra to see what can be achieved, or even pay a visit to the Geraldine Ukefest - the biggest festival of its kind in New Zealand. It is a community instrument that is simple to learn, yet you can play some extraordinary music, from beautiful lyrical and haunting melodies, to strummed chords that are great for singing along to.

How is the Ukulele taught?

The ukulele is taught in a very similar way to the guitar. Firstly, students can learn to read sheet music and play simple tunes. The patterns of reading a score are very logical, in a similar way to math. Students can also learn to read tablature (known as tab) - these are small symbols that represent the strings of a ukulele that show where you need to place your fingers. You don't need to be able to read music in order to play chords using tab. This is one of the reasons that ukulele is so accessible to students of all ages.

Learning through collaboration.

Like the best community art projects, bringing the ukulele into schools means that students can learn to play through group work and collaboration. One of the joys of music is playing with other people. Once you have mastered a few of the most simple chords, you have got yourself a ukulele band and can play tunes together. This helps with social bonding and a feeling of togetherness.

The ukulele is an instrument for everyone and is certainly making an impact on musical education. You can learn to play some great music and be part of the creative community in Otago.

New Group of Artists Formed in Central Otago.

Mon, 1 Jul 2019 9:30:00 +1200

Indigo - Central Otago Artists.

Indigo is an informal and fluid collaboration of artists who mount group exhibitions of their work. Taking a fresh and innovative approach to presenting art, Indigo artists curate and show their work in a variety of exhibition spaces. While there is a core group, Indigo may invite other artists to participate in selected exhibitions. Working in this way provides Indigo with flexibility in organising exhibitions as well as varying numbers and combinations of artists participating in group shows.

Artists who comprise Indigo are Luke Anthony, Shaun Burdon, Judy Cockerham, Rachel Hirabayashi, Annemarie Hope-Cross, Megan Huffadine, Jillian Porteous, Nigel Wilson and Lynne Wilson. Details of these exhibitions are planned for the next two years throughout the South Island. Look out for upcoming exhibitions in winter at Wanaka, spring in Cromwell and Gallery on Blueskin and over the summer at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery.

Avis Advertisement features Central Otago Artist Rachel Hirabayashi.

Mon, 27 May 2019 9:30:00 +1200

Have you noticed the artwork used by Avis in their latest brand advertising? The arrivals and departures board at airports all over New Zealand are showing Rachel Hirabayashi's paintings. Rental car company, Avis, has received much attention for putting artists in their rental cars and sending them out to collaborate with Jonathan May. Jonathan is a Sydney based art director, for Flint production company, who has recently won best cinematography at the Moscow Short Film Festival for his 'Rear View Window' film. With a team of people he and Rachel went to some of Rachel's favourite southern places. Rachel talks about what drives her and how art is a part of her life - as we watch the scenery we see in her paintings. Now the short film is being shown on Qantas inflight service. You can see it online where there are details about other artists from here and Australia who are also part of the campaign.

To see the short film click HERE.

THE CLEVELAND NATIONAL ART AWARDS - 2019

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 9:30:00 +1200

Once again the Otago Art Society will play host to the much anticipated Cleveland National Art Awards.

The Carefully selected artworks will be scrutinised by three talented judges to find the award winners in four categories.

1/ Painting and 2D Media.

2/Printmaking.

3/Photography and digital graphics.

4/3D media, sculpture, jewellery and homeware.

This gives a wonderful mix of artistic techniques and allows a huge range of design subjects.

The awards are open to all artists irrespective of ability which fits in with te Dunedin City Councils', Ara Toi Strategy which seeks inclusion to everyone.

ENTRIES CLOSE ON APRIL 12th 2019.

Click HERE for the 2019 Cleveland Nation Art Awards Entry Form.

For further information visit www.otagoartsociety.co.nz.

Arts Gold Awards 2019

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 9:30:00 +1200

We are excited to announce that applications are open now for the 2019 Arts Gold Awards, Central Otago.

The Arts Gold Awards aims to seek and celebrate the finest artisans Central Otago and New Zealand has to offer. The awards are open to all New Zealand citizens or permanent residents 18 years of age and over. Artists are invited to submit their best artwork to the esteemed selection panel for the highest level of recognition and exposure.

This year there are five award categories.

$5000.00 The Supreme Arts Gold Award.

$3000.00 The Central Otago Artist Award - for an artist who permanently resides within the Central Otago District Council and Queenstown Lakes District Council region.

2x $2000.00 Highly Commended awards.

$1000.00 Peoples Choice award.

For further information, Terms and Condition and an Entry Form please visit www.artsgold.co.nz.

Wanaka Arts Charitable Trust Grants Program 2019

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 9:30:00 +1200

Applications are now open for the Wanaka Arts Charitable Trust (WACT) Grant Program 2019. WACT have three grants available for visual artists in the Central Otago/ Queenstown Lakes areas. Each grant will be between $2000 and $4000 and is to be used on a visual arts project. The WACT is looking for practicing and engaged artists residing within the Central Otago/ Queenstown Lakes who are keen for an opportunity to extend themselves through the development and installation of a visual artwork project (although the project does not necessarily need to be displayed in Central Otago). Grant funds can be put towards research for the project, materials to create the artwork(s), freight and delivery charges in relation to the artwork(s) and costs in relation to the installation of the artwork(s). Applications close in late February 2019. Email; wanakaartscharitabletrust@gmail.com for further information.

Alexandra Buskers Festival

Mon, 5 Nov 2018 9:30:00 +1200

The Central Otago District Arts Trust, Central Otago Musicians Inclusive, Liz Conway Music and Central Sounds joined together to bring to Alexandra the first Alexandra Buskers Festival in late October. The festival was held in conjunction with the annual Alexandra Thyme Festival. Arts Trust Coordinator Rebekah de Jong said the idea fitted nicely with the four major Thyme Festival themes, i.e. Arts, Craft, Wellbeing and Sustainability and the musical performances helped to liven up the streets of Alexandra.

Young people and accomplished Central Otago musicians were invited to perform for the three day festival. Organisers identified designated sites on the main streets of Alexandra and interested performers were allocated these positions at various times throughout the day. Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan opened the festival with an accomplished act, singing and playing the guitar. Matt Feron awarded performers with spot prizes courtesy of Central Sounds throughout the duration of the event. Participants included stilt walkers, poets, a bagpipe player, local bands and solo musicians. For some, it was the first time they had performed in public and an opportunity to get comfortable in doing so.

Co-organiser Denis Litchfield said he hoped the experience of performing in the festival would encourage more young people to busk on the streets of Alexandra over the summer months.

Organisers plan to revisit the Alexandra Buskers Festival on an annual basis.

Thyme Festival Seniors Art Project

Fri, 26 Oct 2018 9:30:00 +1200

The Thyme Festival Seniors Art Project was a collaborative effort between the Alexandra Thyme Festival committee, Central Otago Reap and Castlewood and Ranui Rest Homes - with support from the Central Otago District Arts Trust.

Clyde artist Maxine Williams was commissioned to take a series of painting workshops designed to emphasise the benefits of art and creativity for wellbeing. Workshops were held on a weekly basis in each Alexandra Rest Home.

It is hoped that similar projects could be replicated in Rest Homes throughout Central Otago and the Central Lakes in 2019.

An exhibition of 14 works by Rest Home residents will be on show at the Alexandra Library for the duration of the Thyme Festival.

Cromwell Art Project

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 9:30:00 +1200

In 2017 the Arts Trust came up with an idea to get young people involved in creating art to put in public spaces in Central Otago. Following discussions between the Trust Coordinator and the Central Otago District Council Properties and Facilities Officer it was decided to commission a local educator to make this happen. Artist Maxine Williams facilitated a number of workshops for creative young people in Alexandra and Clyde. The final result was four wonderful mural panels which can now be seen in public spaces throughout the area. The 2017 project was so successful we decided to roll it out in Cromwell in 2018. We celebrated the unveiling of three murals created by students from Cromwell Primary, Goldfields Primary and Tarras School. A huge congratulations to all of the young people involved for creating these wonderful works.

Update on the Alexandra Buskers Festival

Mon, 1 Oct 2018 9:30:00 +1200

Plans for the Alexandra Buskers Festival are well under way with interest from performers and participants growing on a daily basis. The Festival is being held in conjunction with the 2018 Thyme Festival and will happen on the 31st October and the 1st and 2nd of November on the main streets of Alexandra between 11-12 and 1-2 daily. An opening celebration will be held outside the Alexandra Community House at 11am on Wednesday the 31st October where Mayor Tim will perform. Everyone is welcome to attend and passers by are welcome to stop and have a listen. A list of designated areas and their assigned performers will be out soon so keep an eye on the Central Otago Arts facebook page and the www.centralotagoarts.com webpage for updates. So far we have stilt walkers, a great selection of musicians and poets...we welcome many more enquiries so if you are interested please feel free to give us a call to have a chat.

Ph; Rebekah 0220170478 or Denis 0274206696.

Alexandra Musical Society's 'Nunsense'

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 9:30:00 +1200

Review of Alexandra Musical Society's 'Nunsense'. By Nicholas Goudie.

I wasn't sure if I would connect to this show. How could I relate to a show about nuns when I have never met one? Would I understand any of the references? Well as it happens, I shouldn't have worried....I guess it helps that these aren't your usual nuns.

The show is loaded with all sorts of gags and pop culture references so you don't need to be a devout catholic to have a laugh. This show is out to play with your preconceptions. Before the show, there was a general feeling that we had come to the wrong venue as hanging above the stage was a giant, illuminated 'Grease' logo and what appeared to be Greased Lightening in centre stage. Go figure.

The quality of the singing and acting is amongst the best I have seen in a local production. I was surprised at points how thick and clear the harmonies were with only 5 people on stage. There's so much energy supplied that you can't help but get carried away and enjoy yourself.

Each actor put in a confident and consistent performance. They each bring a special quality to make them stand out individually. Sally Davies showcased an amazing gospel inspired vocal in the very catchy number, 'Holier than Thou'.

Likewise Jules Molloy, playing the stern but zany Mother Superior, plays her character to the tee and transitions so easily from speech to song.

I can't forget to mention both Hannah Anderson and Morgan Potter who are both in their final year of high school. Both of them did so well in this style of show and looked so relaxed up on stage, each reacting to the moment. Both should be well placed to take the next step at drama school, if they so wish.

Finally Nick Meissel is hilarious as the very 'confused' nun Sister Amnesia. An inspired casting choice, Nick characterises the role so well that sometimes I found myself simply laughing at his wordless reactions. His 'duet' with a puppet was a highlight of the show, extremely difficult to execute, but made to look effortless.

Hilarious, naughty, slap-stick absurd - not what I expected, but I am glad they played with my expectations. The show runs until Friday the 28th of September, so plenty of time to get your ticket. It's a fantastic show so don't feel required to go to just show your support - go to enjoy yourself.

Central Otago Art Society 2018 Blossom Festival Exhibition Winners

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 9:30:00 +1200

Winners were announced at the 2018 Blossom Festival Exhibition opening in Alexandra on Wednesday evening. Around 150 works by artists from Central Otago and further afield were entered into the annual exhibition which this year was judged by Henderson House Artist in Residence Gregory O'Brien.

The Premier Prize of $2000 went to Wyn Dryden of Alexandra for her painting 'Spring, Snow and Blossom'. Highly Commended was awarded to Dorothy Piper of Alexandra with her work 'Quail in Oak Leaves'. Highly Commended (2) was awarded to Denis Kent with his oil, 'Back Country Shelter'. Highly Commended (3) went to Pamela Wilson of Arrowtown with 'The Nun of Brow Peak'. The Special Category (Central Otago Heritage) was awarded to Marion Vialade with 'Hayes Engineering, Oturehua' and the Elizabeth Stevens Memorial Prize went to Marg Hamilton of Alexandra.

The exhibition is on show until the 29th of September at the Alexandra Community Hall.

Cromwell/ Tarras Schools Paint murals at Across the Bridge in Bannockburn

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 9:30:00 +1200

Pupils from Cromwell, Goldfields and Tarras Primary have completed a series of workshops around the design, technique and creation of public art. Throughout these workshops pupils were encouraged to think about how best to represent their environment and community in pictorial form. Three final designs featuring local icons, animals and the landscape have been produced which the workshop facilitator is now transferring onto ply panels ready to be painted at this year's Across the Bridge in Bannockburn festival.

The young artists will be painting their murals on the mornings of September 28th, 29th and 30th and the general public are invited to participate from 1.30pm daily at the Bannockburn Community Church, Hall Road, Bannockburn.

Completed murals will be displayed in public spaces throughout the Cromwell/ Tarras areas.

Alexandra Buskers Festival

Fri, 7 Sep 2018 9:30:00 +1200

The Central Otago District Arts Trust, Central Otago Musicians Inclusive Club, Liz Conway Music and Central Sounds have teamed up to bring to Alexandra the first ever Alexandra Buskers Festival to be held in conjunction with the COReap Thyme Festival in October.

From the 31st of October to the 2nd of November, 11-12 and 1-2pm daily, the streets of Alexandra will be brought to life with performances by local musicians. Both young and older have signed up to be a part of the festivities. Organisers have identified a number of good spots along the main streets of Alexandra where musicians will be designated on a roster style basis. Community participation is encouraged and coins (and notes!) will be gratefully accepted by performers on these days.

For further information or if you would like to be a busker please contact Rebekah on 0220170478 or Denis on 0224206696.

Cromwell Art Project

Thu, 6 Sep 2018 9:30:00 +1200

In 2017, a youth art project to beautify public spaces in the Alexandra/ Clyde areas was developed. The project originated through discussions between the Central Otago District Arts Trust Coordinator, Rebekah de Jong and the Central Otago District Councils Property and Facilities Officer. Local artist, Maxine Williams, was employed to facilitate a series of workshops in schools throughout the area, designed to guide a selection of primary aged pupils through the process of creating murals for public decoration. Following the workshops, final mural designs were painted by participating pupils and members of the community at the COReap Thyme Festival 2017. The final creations were then photographed and reproduced onto exterior grade laminate and installed on designated buildings throughout the area.

So successful was this project that further discussions were had between all involved and it was decided that the project be replicated in Cromwell/ Tarras areas. Weekly workshops are now underway for a selection of creative pupils from Cromwell, Tarras and Goldfields Primary Schools.

Cromwell Art Project

Sat, 1 Sep 2018 9:30:00 +1200

So successful was this project that further discussions were had between all involved and it was decided that the project be replicated in Cromwell/ Tarras areas. The weekly workshops have now been completed and creative pupils of Cromwell, Tarras and Goldfields Primary have finalised their images. The design ideas explore how participating pupils see their community, people and the environment they live in.

The painting of three mural panels will take place at Bannockburn's 2018 'Across the Bridge' event in September. From the 28th - 30th pupils will paint their designs each morning and every afternoon, (1.30 -3.30pm daily) the general public is invited to come long and help. This will take place at the Bannockburn Community Church, Hall Rd, Bannockburn.

Dunstanza Senior Girls Choir awarded Silver.

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 9:30:00 +1200

Congratulations to the Dunstan High School Senior Girls Choir, 'Dunstanza' for a 'Silver' at the 29th Australian International Music Festival in Sydney in July.

The Festival is a music, education and performance event which brings together selected youth and adult orchestras and musicians to perform on stage. The Silver award was for Dunstanza's 'Outstanding contribution to the festival and the international music community and to international understanding through music and cultural exchange'.

Artist Andi Regan's' Kahu Kereru' displayed at' Vivid Sydney'.

Thu, 31 May 2018 9:30:00 +1200

Artist Andi Regan is thrilled to be amoung six World of Wearable Art designers chosen to display their work at the annual Vivid Sydney Light and Entertainment Festival. Her work 'Kahu Kereru' was inspired by the New Zealand wood pigeon and is created entirely from hand dyed cable ties.

Regan, originally from the U.K, has been living in New Zealand since 2008 and currently resides in Wanaka. Her works are exhibited at selected galleries and design stores around New Zealand. She is also a member of the Hullabaloo Artsist Collective in the Heritage Precinct in Cromwell.

Regan says "I feel honoured and excited to be part of such an iconic event. I am a huge fan of light sculptures and installations. I love the qualities that light, colour and shadow bring together, something which is often reflected in my own artwork."

The festival runs from May the 25th through to the 16th of June in Sydney and is a multi-award winning celebration of light, music and innovative artistic, tech, design and cultural ideas.

Youth Art Exhibition

Fri, 2 Mar 2018 9:30:00 +1200

The Central Otago District Arts Trust (CODAT) is committed to providing opportunities for young people in the arts in Central Otago. In 2017 we received funding to help further develop interest, encourage participation and support the talents of Central Otago youth in all aspects of the arts. The Trust in collaboration with teachers and representatives of the Omakau, Poolburn, Maniototo and St Johns Schools put together a selection of works which celebrate the creativity of young people in this area.

The exhibition is run in conjunction with the 2018 'Arts on the Rail Trail' project and is advertised alongside mini exhibitions by Central Otago artists in venues all along the Otago Central Rail Trail.

An Introduction to Arts on the Clutha Gold Trail - 2018.

Fri, 9 Feb 2018 9:30:00 +1200

Arts on the Clutha Gold Trail.

The idea to instigate Arts on the Clutha Gold Trail has come about after a series of meetings between the Central Otago district Arts Trust Coordinator and residents and business owners in the Teviot Valley who expressed their desire to be part of the existing Arts on the Rail Trail project.

Arts on the Rail Trail is an annual event, coordinated by the Central Otago District Arts Trust, which offers visitors, locals and art enthusiasts the opportunity to view works by Central Otago artists in venues along the Otago Central Rail Trail. Exhibitions and events run for 12 weeks during the months of February, March and April, in venues such as cafes, bars, cycle shops and galleries from Clyde through to Middlemarch. it has been three years since the inception of Arts on the Rail Trail and during this time interest in the venture has increased for both artists and operators.

While there aren't necessarily many businesses and venues immediately on the Clutha Gold Trail, Teviot boasts a number of established artists, galleries and businesses in the area who have all expressed a desire not only to maximise on the success of the cycle trail but to enhance the attraction for visitors and locals to the area.

An introduction to the project has been planned for 2018 and it is envisaged that the project will grow in following years.

Details on participating venues and artists in the 'Introduction to Arts on the Clutha Gold Trail 2018' will be released soon.

Alexandra Youth Mural Unveiling

Tue, 12 Dec 2017 9:30:00 +1200

Following widespread community consultation throughout Central Otago, participation by youth in the arts was identified as a key need. The Central Otago District Arts Trust developed a Youth Project Charter to further encourage the participation, development and education of the arts for youth in Central Otago. The Charter seeks to encourage collaboration between community, schools, parents, teachers and other art educators to provide access to art experiences for young people. The unveiling of four major murals marks a milestone in the provision of opportunities for children to participate in and present their own creative experiences. Ten students from Alexandra Primary School painted 'Rail Trail Bird Girl' to decorate the public toilets in the Brandon St Carpark. Nine students from the Alexandra Primary School painted 'Aliens Beam up a Cow' for the Alexandra BMX public toilets. Eight students from the Clyde Primary School painted '4 Seasons in Central Otago' for the Clyde Railway station public toilets. Ten students from Saint Gerards Primary School painted 'Camo Deer' for the Molyneux Park public toilets. In the case of each of these murals the pupils provided the ideas while Central Otago artist Maxine Williams facilitated the projects. Following discussions between the Central Otago District Council and the Arts Trust Coordinator, Rebekah de Jong the youth mural project was seen as a way of beautifying public spaces. The initiative has been kindly supported by the Central Lakes Trust, the Otago Community Trust, the Creative Communities Scheme and the Vincent Community Board. For further information on the Alexandra Youth Mural Project click HERE.171207-Youth-Art-Murals-Information-poster--3-.pdf

Alexandra / Clyde Youth Mural Project

Fri, 1 Dec 2017 9:30:00 +1200

Following widespread community consultation throughout Central Otago participation by youth in the arts was identified as a key need. The Central Otago District Arts Trust developed a Youth Charter. Young people are creative and the Youth Charter gives them an outlet for their creative needs. The Charter seeks to encourage collaboration between community, schools, parents, teachers and other art educators to provide access to art experiences for young people.The unveiling of four major murals marks a milestone in the provision of opportunities for children to participate in and present their creative experiences. Ten students from Alexandra Primary painted 'Rail Trail Bird Girl' to decorate the public toilets in the Alexandra Brandon St car park. Ten students from Terrace Primary painted 'Aliens Beam up a Cow' to decorate the Alexandra BMX park public toilets. Eight students from Clyde Primary painted 'Four Seasons in Central Otago' to decorate the Clyde Railway Station public toilets and ten students from St Gerard's created 'Camo Deer' for the Molyneux Park toilet block.

For each of these murals students were guided through a series of workshops based around the design and creation of a public art piece. Students then painted their designs onto 4 ply panels during the week long 'Thyme Festival'. The general public were invited to come along and help with the painting each afternoon. The completed images were then reproduced onto exterior grade panels and subsequently hung throughout Alexandra and Clyde.

Following discussions between the Arts Trust Coordinator and the Central Otago District Council the Youth Mural Project was seen as a way of beautifying public spaces and further engaging young people of Alexandra and Clyde in the arts.

Bachelor of Visual Arts at Central Campus for the first time.

Fri, 3 Nov 2017 9:30:00 +1200

For the first time, Otago Polytechnic's Bachelor of Visual Arts programme will be offered at the Central Campus in Cromwell.

The Bachelor of Visual Arts was previously only available to those studying at the Dunedin School of Art (DSA). However, from 2018, it will be possible to study the second and third year painting and photography specialities by distance from Central Otago.

Clive Humphreys, Acting Head of Dunedin School of Art, says that as Central Otago's population grows it seems sensible to be serving this region.

"We have seen an increased interest, particularly in our post - graduate programmes, which have attracted a range of artists from Central Otago. We have started by offering programmes in painting or photography, two disciplines in which a lot of people in Central Otago are working. This isn't for first-year art students. We are looking to cater to those people who already have some forms of art practice. They might have a studio of their own, have an exhibition experience, and be looking to lift their skills and techniques in specific areas."

Those seeking to enter the two-year programme will be required to submit a portfolio that demonstrates their experience. Support for students will include visits to the Cromwell Campus by members of the faculty, and some student visits to the Dunedin School of Art. Other support will include phone or Skype arrangements.

"I see this as the first stage of the establishment of a greater Dunedin School of Art presence in Central Otago," Clive says.

Art graduates are increasingly finding employment in a variety of sectors, including as a practising artist, curator, art - educator or researcher - or in the digital and film industries.

You can read more about the programme HERE

Winners of the 2017 Arts Gold Awards Announced.

Sun, 17 Sep 2017 9:30:00 +1200

Winners of the 2017 Arts Gold Awards were announced at an Awards Evening held at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery on Saturday 16th September. The Arts Gold Awards aims to seek and celebrate the finest artisans Central Otago and New Zealand has to offer. This year around 200 entries were received from artists throughout New Zealand.

The $5000.00 Russell Henderson Charitable Trust and Perpetual Guardian Supreme Award was won by Dunedin artist Blue Black for a ceramic work titled Repotted II. Judges Linda Tyler, (Auckland) and Denise Copland, (Dunedin) said the winning work was "distinctly original and imbued with associations of gratitude, warmth and love".

Gail de Jong, an artist from Bannockburn, was awarded the $3000.00 Nock Art Foundation Outstanding Central Otago Artist Award for her landscape painting Carrick Water Race. De Jong's work, an oil on canvas, depicts an historic water race which provides water for her property, near the Nevis Valley - it is both a political statement and a homage to Central Otago pioneers.

The recipients of two $1000 merit awards were presented to artists Inge Doesburg, of Dunedin for Soliloquy I, oil on gesso, and Marion Mewburn, of Millers Flat for From Earth we Rise, a trio of double - vesselled clay and dirt pots.

SUCCESS FOR DUNSTANZA SENIOR GIRLS AT BIG SING FINALE IN AUCKLAND

Thu, 7 Sep 2017 9:30:00 +1200

The Dunstanza Senior Girls achieved a Silver Medal at the recently held Big Sing National Finale in Auckland. The judges said of the choir. "A well presented and well prepared recital, you can be proud of your first Finale appearance. Well done."

They were also awarded the Auahi Kore Award for their presentation of a piece of music in Te Reo. Robert Wiremu the judge for this award said of the choir: "Congratulations! You have such a beautiful, delicate core to your sound. The irony of a choir from a provincial South Island School bringing a Ngati Whatua piece to the homeland of Ngati Whatua is not lost on me. Finally my quality test is based in the integrity of the pianissimo (quiet singing). Pianissimo is the basis of all beautiful sound. Without it, all else is noise. In this regard you are masters."

Excerpt from; The Dunstan Prospector. Issue#14, 7 September, 2017.

Art and Genetics

Tue, 4 Jul 2017 9:30:00 +1200

Art and Genetics Exhibition - July 2017.

Art and Genetics opened at the Otago Museum in Dunedin on Tuesday 4th July. Artists from throughout Otago and Central Otago were paired with genetic scientists from the University of Otago to collaborate on an exhibition representing the scientists research topic through the eyes of the artist. The result was a very diverse show of 3D and 2D work.

Annemarie Hope Cross paired with a genetic scientist researching colon cancer. Using historic photography processes, and linking that with music script, she created a large work entitled 'Hope'.

Eric Schusser worked with an Italian scientist studying genetics and Kaka conservation in New Zealand. Eric's intention was to create a social/ personal documentary piece combining quotes from the scientist, images of lab work, and photos taken of Kaka at Orokonui.

Peter Stupples - lecturer at Otago Polytechnic curated the exhibition which was run in association with the Conference of the Genetics Society of Australasia hosted at the University of Otago. He said, "The idea is not to illustrate science but to mainly to bring science to the public, to show people who come to the show an idea of science." 24 artists participated in this show which will run until 16th July in the HD Skinner Annex, Otago Museum, Dunedin.

Ira Mitchell-Kirk takes out the Viewers' Choice Award!

Fri, 4 Dec 2015 9:30:00 +1200

The organisers of the Arts Gold Awards 2016 would like to congratulate Ira Mitchell-Kirk for achieving the most votes to win the $500 Viewers' Choice Award. We received well over 1,000 votes and it was quite a close contest, but Ira will be a happy to know her painting 'Wanaka Gold' proved the most popular work with the public. All those who voted went into the draw to win 6 bottles of Central Otago wine which will be announced via the Central Otago Arts Facebook page on Monday the 7th of December at 4pm.

Every second year the Central Otago District Arts Trust (CODAT) runs this national art awards for the visual arts and this time the competition attracted 205 entries, of which 50 were chosen as finalists by the judges. To view the 2015 galley click here.

The judges – Cam McCracken (Director of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery), Fiona Campbell (Director of the Real Art Roadshow), and Brian Wood (a Wellington-based independent art curator and writer) – chose the following winners:

The $5000 Art Excellence Award was won by the Wellington photographer Elton Irving. His work was described by the judges as ''unusually beautiful''.
The award of $3000 for the top Central Otago entry was won by the Alexandra photographer Eric Schusser.
Two merit awards of $1000 each were won by Luggate artist Brent Hollow and Justin Spiers from Dunedin.

The Arts Gold Awards Exhibition ended on 29 November and it won't happen again until 2017 but the organisers were very happy with how things went this time.

Arts Gold Awards Exhibition is Now Open!

Wed, 28 Oct 2015 9:30:00 +1200

Every second year the Central Otago District Arts Trust (CODAT) runs a national art awards for the visual arts and this year the competition attracted 205 entries, of which 50 were chosen as finalists by the judges. The Arts Gold Awards Exhibition includes painting, photography, sculpture and video art. The judges – Cam McCracken (Director of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery), Fiona Campbell (Director of the Real Art Roadshow), and Brian Wood (a Wellington-based independent art curator and writer) – chose the following winners:

The $5000 Art Excellence Award was won by the Wellington photographer Elton Irving. His work was described by the judges as ''unusually beautiful''.
The award of $3000 for the top Central Otago entry was won by the Alexandra photographer Eric Schusser.
Two merit awards of $1000 each were won by Luggate artist Brent Hollow and Justin Spiers from Dunedin.

The Art Gold Awards opening ceremony on 16th October attracted over 150 art lovers and artists from around the South Island and from as far away as Auckland. The subject of the winning photograph (urine samples in tubes) and the fact that all four prize winners were photographers may have raised a few eyebrows but the judges commented on the strength and diversity of the entries in this competition. The Arts Gold Award is run biennially and is becoming an important fixture on the New Zealand arts calendar.

The works of the 50 finalists are on display in Alexandra’s Russell Henderson Art Gallery in Central Stories until 29th November. The public has the opportunity to vote on their favourite work which will determine the $500 Viewers’ Choice Award and by voting you automatically to go into the draw to win 6 bottles of delicious Central Otago wine. If you can't make the exhibition it can be viewed online at www.artawards.nz. The winner of both the Viewers’ Choice Award and the wine will be notified on Thursday 5th December via the Central Otago Arts Facebook page and on the art awards website.

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Thu, 15 Oct 2015 9:30:00 +1200

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Art on the Rail Trail is a First!

Wed, 4 Mar 2015 9:30:00 +1200

An exciting new art event, which show-cases artists all along the Otago Central Rail Trail, opened on Waitangi weekend. Cafes, hotels, studios and galleries between Clyde and Middlemarch are all featuring mini solo art exhibitions by our artists. Thirty-nine artists from around the region have signed up to be part of Art on the Rail Trail which runs until after Easter. So there's plenty of time left to enjoy it. All of us at the Central Otago District Arts Trust have been working with the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust on this project which is ‘a first’ of what we hope will be an annual event.

I'm Maxine Williams, the Arts Coordinator for our region and it is heartening to see the belief and confidence our artists have in our ability to pull off this event. We’ve done the hard work and now it’s over to visitors and locals to take the opportunity to see some fantastic art work while biking the Rail Trail.

The poster and brochures have been distributed around i-SITEs and key locations for people to pick up. I have setup a facebook page where 'Art on the Trail' is featured so people can read more about the artists exhibiting. They can see regular photos of the artists and the Rail Trail to 'like', share or make comments. It is fantastic to be able to meet the venue owners and include them on the facebook promotion too.

Working closely with tour operators, various bike hire businesses, accommodation providers, hotels and cafes, has been crucial to the success of this new venture. Nearly all of them have been really positive and enthusiastic about this project. We especially commend Hayes Engineering in Oturehua for allowing a group of artists to join their open day on Sunday 1 March. They will be setting up their easels and tables and showing their art to the lucky public. What a wonderful day out that will be; taking a tour of the amazing old steam powered workshop then wandering around talking to an interesting bunch of creative folk. Visitors will no doubt come away from there full of inspiration!

We hope that anyone planning to come to Central will pick up or download an Art on the Rail Trail guide, along with an Arts Trail brochure - combine the two and have a fabulous time in our beautiful region.

Pottery Wheel Workshop

Sat, 11 Oct 2014 9:30:00 +1200

Held at The Packing Shed Gallery and Cafe, Boulton Rd, Earnscleugh, Alexandra.

Learn how to use a Pottery Wheel.
October 11th and 12th 10am-4pm
Cost $225 this includes the initial clay, one bisque ﬁring and one glaze ﬁring. See the next page for more information.
To register please email ajmclean@vodafone.co.nz your name and contact details and pay $225 by direct credit or cheque (to address above) by October 3rd
Direct Credit bank details: 02 0916 0017371 10 AJ and KA McLean

Directions to The Packing Shed Gallery and Cafe: Go over the bridge at Clyde onto Earnscleugh Rd. It is approx 4km to Boulton Rd which is on the left, there is a sign at the top of the road. Go down Boulton Rd to the end of the road and turn into the Packing Shed Café.

Please note: The Café is not open to the public as it is only being used for private functions this year.

What to bring-
• Bring an old towel.
• Wire or cat gut is button on each end.
• Small piece of sponge .
• Wear an old Shirt
• Covered shoes

What will you learn-
• How to work up clay.
• How to throw a piece of clay, center the clay, the spiral technique and how to compress the clay.
• How to make a cylinder, a coﬀee mug, a bottle and a bowl.
• You will turn your pots on the second day to ready them for the bisque ﬁring.

Introduction to Chalk Painting

Sun, 15 Jun 2014 9:30:00 +1200

Using Chalk Paint®

Painting with our paint should always be a pleasure!

Annie Sloan developed her now famous decorative paint, Chalk Paint®, over 20 years ago to answer the need she had for a versatile paint that would have many uses from acting like limewash to looking like old painted furniture. She called it Chalk Paint® because of its beautiful velvety, matte finish.

What is Chalk Paint®?

Chalk Paint® is very easy to work with. It very rarely requires any preparation, such as sanding or priming, and can be used indoors or outside, on just about any surface – from wood to metal, and matt plastic to terracotta. It can revitalise old furniture, walls, ceilings and floors with ease. It’s easy, fun and makes amazing results accessible to everyone.

With a colour palette inspired by 18th and 20th Century decor and design, you can easily mix the colours together to extend the range. Chalk Paint® is eco-friendly too. It contains extremely low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and has no odor.

Add a little water to it to make it smooth, thicken it up by leaving the lid off, make it into a wash by adding even more water. Use flat brushes for a smooth look or bristle brushes for a more textured aged look. Gorgeous results have never been so simple and straightforward.

During this workshop you will:

Learn how to use clear and dark waxes to get wanted effect
Create some plain furniture into a beautiful re-loved piece you can cherish
Discuss hints and tips about using chalk paint, so that you get the most out of it

Date:  Sunday 15 June 2014
Time: 1.30 – 4.30pm
Venue:   Art Room, Maniototo Area School
Tutor:  Lisa Isaac
Cost: $130

Afterschool Art 12-17yrs - Landscape Painting with Debbie Malcolm

Thu, 22 May 2014 9:30:00 +1200

During the six weeks students will complete a landscape painting on canvas, using oil paints. Debbie will teach about mixing colours, creating field of depth and atmosphere in their paintings.

Please Note: Oils, canvas and photos for the students will all be provided in the cost of the workshop.

To Bring: A painting shirt

During the workshop students will:
- Sketch onto canvas

- Learn about mixing colours

- Learn about creating depth of field and atmosphere in their paintings

- work on building up layers of paint

- complete a landscape painting in oils

About the Tutor:
Debbie is an established landscape painter who lives in Alexandra. Debbie enjoys painting our Central Otago scenes and her paintings are known for their sense of perspective and depth of colour. Debbie exhibits her works in local exhibition and does commission work.

Date:  Thursdays for 6 weeks starting 22 May 2014
Time:  3.30 – 5.00pm
Venue:   Central Otago REAP, 14-20 Centennial Ave, Alexandra
Tutor: Debbie Malcolm
Cost: $105

If you would like to book onto this course, please phone us on either 0800 267-327 or 03 448-6115.

Creating Handbuilt Clay Pots

Sat, 17 May 2014 9:30:00 +1200

This is a one day workshop where you will learn to wedge your clay, make a pinch pot sphere or bird, a slab pot as a vase and also a bowl made from handmade coils.

At the workshop you will learn and practise:

Wedging and kneading your clay
Make a pinch pot sphere or bird
Learn how to make a slab pot as a vase
Make a bowl from handmade coils

Please Bring:

Cutting wire with button at each end (the cutting wire can be fishing line or fine wire)
Shapes to print on clay if you like such as buttons, lace or other
Small plastic bowl to be used as coil mould
Plastic bag such as a New World bag or similar
Small piece of sponge
Wear old clothes and covered shoes

About the Tutor:

Hilary Daughtry is an experienced artist who presently uses clay as her medium. She has her diploma in Visual Arts majoring in sculpture. She recently exhibited in the Form and Fantasy exhibition at Central Stories Gallery.

Date: Saturday 17 May 2014
Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm
Tutor: Hilary Daughtry
Venue: Alexandra Pottery Room, Alexandra Community House, 14-20 Centennial Ave, Alexandra
Cost: $70 (includes clay/glazing and firing costs)

Wheelwork Pottery - One Day Workshop

Sat, 10 May 2014 9:30:00 +1200

This is a one day workshop where you will learn to wedge and centre your clay on the wheel. You will practice making a cylinder/coffee mug, small jug with a handle, bottle shape also with a handle and a bowl shape.

At the workshop you will learn and practice:

Wedging and centering clay on the wheel
Making a cylinder/coffee mug with handles
Small jug with a handle
Bottle shape with a handle
Small bowl

Please Bring:

Cutting wire with button at each end (the cutting wire can be fishing line or fine wire)
Shapes to print on clay if you like such as buttons, lace or other
Small plastic bowl to be used as coil mould
Plastic bag such as a New World bag or similar
Small piece of sponge
Wear old clothes and covered shoes

About the Tutor:

Kathi McLean is an experienced potter of many years. She presently has her own workshop at her home, at The Packing Shed in Earnscleugh and also sells her work at the Courthouse Café in the centre of Alexandra. Kathi has recently exhibited in the Form and Fantasy exhibition at the Central Stories Gallery. Kathi enjoys sharing her love of clay with others.

Date: Saturday 10 May 2014
Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm
Tutor: Kathi McLean
Venue: Alexandra Pottery Room, Alexandra Community House, 14-20 Centennial Ave, Alexandra
Cost: $75

Painting with Oils & Acrylics

Sat, 22 Mar 2014 9:30:00 +1200

Please Bring:

Your own paints, canvas and brushes

Learning Outcomes:

Choose your materials and mediums and go over canvas preparation methods
Produce a landscape painting
Discuss processes and principles and Andrew will include tips and techniques along the way
Demistify the principles of perspective

About the Tutor:
Andrew lives in Cromwell where he has his own studio. His paintings explore emotions as landscapes and his main areas of practice are oil painting, photography and sculpture. “The result of a quassi ‘process-painting’ style, my paintings explore the sequential and temporal nature of emotions. My painting are of themselves; sublime landscapes to be visually explored and contemplated”.

Date: Saturday 22 March 2014
Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm
Tutor: Andrew Price
Venue: Alexandra Community House, 14-20 Centennial Ave, Alexandra
Cost: $70

Plein Air Painting - Painting Outdoors

Sat, 15 Mar 2014 9:30:00 +1200

As with the French Impressionists ‘Plein Air’ painting is the practise of painting outdoors in order to catpure the fleeting effects of outdoor light and atmosphere. Participants in this workshop will work in the open air creating a scene as they see it.

Please Bring:

Easel
Oil or acrylic paints and brushes
Canvas

Learning Outcomes:

Apply paint straight onto your canvas and capture what you see around you.
The tutor will give guidance on how to capture light and mood into your painting

About the Tutor:
Nigel was born in Wellington, educated at Canterbury University of Fine Arts and teacher trained. Nigel has painted full time for a number of years. He has lived in Alexandra since 2000 where from his picturesque home studio, he paints the scenery around Central Otago and further afield.

Nigel continues to exhibit regularly and is well represented by galleries throughout the country. He is a frequent guest artist, judge and tutor.

Date: Saturday 15 March 2014
Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm
Tutor: Nigel Wilson
Venue: Meet in the Alexandra Community House carpark at the rear of the building, 14-20 Centennial Ave
Cost: $45
Phone: 03 448 6115

Introduction to Stone Carving

Sat, 8 Mar 2014 9:30:00 +1200

This is a beginner course where you will learn about the various tools you can use. You will be given a small piece of Oamaru Stone and the tutor will help you design and construct your sculpture.

Bring:

Gloves & dust mask. Tools will be provided

At This Workshop You Will:

Learn about the various tools used
Design and construct a small stone sculpture
Practice finishing techniques

About The Tutor:

Andrew has been working with stone for about 6 years now, having re-discovered a passion for stone sculpture whilst travelling in India. On returning to New Zealand, he continued with his passion to create beautiful pieces for people to enjoy. Andrew has a gallery at his home in Ettrick which is part of the Central Otago Arts Trail and open to the public. He is very willing to share his inspiration, passion and skills with others who want to learn about carving Oamaru stone.

Date: Saturday 8 March 2014
Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Tutor: Andrew Barr
Venue: Packing Shed Gallery & Cafe, Boulton Road, Earnscleugh, Alexandra
Cost: $80
Phone: 03 448 6115

Click here to enroll

Funky Fabric Screen Printing for Beginners

Wed, 5 Mar 2014 9:30:00 +1200

Please Bring:

Two T Shirts if you wish to print T Shirts (white or light colours are best) OR
Calico fabric if you wish to make designs for a skirt, bag or cushions

Learning Outcomes:

Design and cut out your design ready for printing onto fabric or a T-Shirt
Screen print two of your own designs onto a T-Shirt and or fabric

About the Tutor:

Ruth moved to Alexandra with her family in 1999 and has worked for Central Otago REAP for 14 years. She loves art, design and creativity so finds that the screen printing gives her an avenue to express all of these things. Beginners find this course very rewarding and everyone goes home with something very different that they have created themselves. Once you know how the technique works you can carry on to make more designs at home if you wish.

You will learn how to screen print your own design onto fabric and/or a T-Shirt. You will make your own stencil and learn the basic process so that you can carry on at home in your own time if you wish.
Date: Wednesday 5 March 2014
Time: 7.00 – 9.00pm
Tutor: Ruth Arnott
Venue: REAP, C/- Alexandra Community House, 14-20 Centennial Ave, Alexandra

Phone: 03 448 6115
Cost: $35

Digital Photography

Sat, 1 Mar 2014 9:30:00 +1200

WORKSHOP 1 – GET TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA

Please Bring:

Your digital camera and the cables and software that came with it
Batteries need to be fully charged

Learning Outcomes:

Practise using dials and icons and know what they do
Take photos using different settings on the camera

WORKSHOP 2 – TAKING BETTER PHOTOS

Please Bring:

Your digital camera, cables and fully charged batteries
A laptop or tablet if you have one (not essential)

Learning Outcomes:

Practise using the appropriate settings on your camera
Effectively compose photos
Develop your confidence and take better photos

About the Tutor:
Shaun is an experienced teacher and former lecturer at Otago Polytechnic School of Art in Dunedin. He has exhibited widely for 40 years and his work is held in many private and public collections in New Zealand and abroad.

Date: SATURDAY 1 MARCH 2014

WORKSHOP 1 – GET TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA
Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm

WORKSHOP 2 – TAKE BETTER PHOTO
Time: 1.00 – 4.00pm

Tutor: Shaun Burdon
Venue: REAP, C/- Alexandra Community House, 14-20 Centennial Ave, Alexandra
Cost: $45 per workshop

Traditional African Drum & Dance Workshop

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 9:30:00 +1200

Come let the spirit of African Rhythms and Dance inspire you
with Koffie Fugah From Ghana

Robert grew up in a village called Abor from the Volta Region of Ghana where traditional music and dance is part of daily life. He has taught African dance and drumming for about 15 years in schools and to expatriates both in Ghana and abroad. For more information about Robert and to see videos of his work, go to www.robertfugah.co.nz

He says "As an effective communication tool, drumming helps people realise their own contribution to the group. It highlights that everyone's input, no matter how small, can make a marked difference to the success of a group. By playing rhythms together as an ensemble, groups develop a powerful synergy and sense of unity. Our workshops break down age, social and gender barriers. It's a fun and accessible activity that everyone is drawn to and anyone can do."

Have fun, get fit each Wednesday: 6.30pm-8.30pm Venue: COEC HALL (opposite Alexandra Primary) Cost $10

Bring a dJembe Drum otherwise Drums will be provided, all ability’s Welcome!
Contact Facilitators
Robert Koffie Fugah 021 02680964
Anna Robinson 022 6522779

Arts trail listings grow to 34

Thu, 13 Feb 2014 9:30:00 +1200

By CHE BAKER

_{Open home: Contemporary artist Esther Dexter in her new studio based in Queensberry, which is part of the Central Otago Arts Trail.}

The Central Otago Arts Trail has expanded with eight artists and galleries signing up to be a part of the artistry road trip.

Central Otago District Arts Trust co-ordinator Maxine Williams said ‘‘the growth of the trail shows artists are recognising the benefits and potential exposure by being part of it’’.

The trail gave the chance for art lovers to personally meet some of their favourite artists, such as Alan Waters, Nigel Wilson and Rachel Hirabayashi, or discover new artists by meeting them in their creative environment visiting studios, galleries and workspaces.

The trail was launched in 2012 and there was now 34 listings along the trail.

Trail brochures, which include four separate self-drive tours surrounding Roxburgh, Maniototo,Alexandra and Clyde and Cromwell, Bannockburn and Queensberry, have been distributed to i-SITEs and key locations.

Downloadable maps are also available at www.artstrail.co.nz and people can scan the QR code on the back of the brochure to view the mobile version on their smartphones. Package tours are being developed.

Fast facts Artists and Galleries who have joined the trail: Jenny Hill - Queensberry. Mixed media.

Jillian Porteous - Bendigo. Ceramicist and painter.

Megan Huffadine - Bannockburn. Sculptor and painter Andrew Price - Cromwell, Painter.

Guise Gallery - Cromwell. Woodwork and painting.

Malcolm Macpherson - Alexandra. Woodworker.

Marion Mewburn - Millers Flat. Ceramicist.

The Practice - Ranfurly. Gallery and Gifts.

Hope & Sons Art Awards

Sat, 30 Nov 2013 9:30:00 +1200

Kindly sponsored by Hope and Sons, who have for so many years offered their unstinting support for us and the art of Otago, it is always a highly awaited Exhibition. It is a biennial exhibition and will take place in our galleries next year. It is open to all South Island artists as well as OAS members.

For an Entry Form & more information, please CLICK HERE

Viewers'Choice Winner

Thu, 5 Dec 2013 9:30:00 +1200

Alexandra Community Arts Council Members - Bronwyn Barnes, Kathi McLean, Barbara Janman, Chris Hodgson, Trevor Goudie, Angela Jacobson, Anne Marie Hope-Cross, Shona Bain and Judy Faris

Congratulations to Sharnae Beardsley of New Brighton in Christchurch for winning the Viewers'Choice Award in the 2013 Arts Gold Awards. Her painting 'UNTITLED 190612' is a beautiful ink and water colour work.

All those who voted went into the draw to win 6 bottles of Central Otago wine which has been won by Cathy Beirnes. The Arts Gold Exhibition runs until December the 7th 2013.

PHOTO MONTAGE

Sat, 16 Nov 2013 9:30:00 +1200

PHOTO MONTAGE

Date: Saturday 16 November 2013
Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: Alexandra Community House
Tutor: Vyv Weller
Cost: $10

Bring along a selection of photos (at least 10 – 12 for a small collage but heaps more if you want to do a larger one). It is best to bring photos taken at one place, time eg. a birthday party, a holiday, a family gathering, your home…that way the light is more even and they will blend together easier. Lab prints are best – get 6×4 matt prints (no white borders). Images printed on home printers often have problems with the ink coming off the surface when putting them together.

At This Workshop you Will:

Make a photo montage of photos either onto canvas or cardboard, to be framed
Learn how to blend photos and colours to form one large picture

Please Bring:

Lab prints – 6 x 4 matt, with no white borders
Small sharp pointed scissors that cut evenly
Stanley knife and metal ruler
Craft cutting matt if you have one
Masking tape (not heavy thick tape & not blue/green)
Painting canvas if you are wanting to put onto canvas or a piece of solid cardboard to attach to if getting framed

About the Tutor
Vyv is a self confessed photo fanatic! She has been producing photo scrapbooks, canvases and photobooks for her family and friends for over 10 years.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR ALL WORKSHOPS – PLEASE SEE ENROLMENT FORM OR PHONE REAP ON 03 448-6115

PHOTO SCRAP-BOOKING

Fri, 15 Nov 2013 9:30:00 +1200

PHOTO SCRAP-BOOKING

Date: Friday 15 November 2013
Time: 1.00 – 4.00pm
Venue: Alexandra Community House
Tutor: Vyv Weller
Cost: $10

This scrapbook workshop is suitable for beginners or addicted scrapaholics!

At This Workshop you Will:

Work on your own memory making albums, making full use of punches, shape makers and cutters supplied
Receive guidance on how to create personalised photo albums with no creativity required
Spend and uninterrupted 3 hours scrapbooking and pick up loads of ideas for your album pages

Please Bring:

Photos, photos and more photos
Photo album and acid free photo adhesive
Small craft scissors if you have them

About the Tutor
Vyv is a self confessed photo fanatic! She has been producing photo scrapbooks, canvases and photobooks for her family and friends for over 10 years.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR ALL WORKSHOPS – PLEASE SEE ENROLMENT FORM OR PHONE REAP ON 03 448-6115

EDITING YOUR GO-PRO FOOTAGE

Mon, 11 Nov 2013 9:30:00 +1200

EDITING YOUR GOPRO FOOTAGE

Date: Monday 11 November
Time: 6.00 – 9.00pm
Venue: Central Otago REAP, C/- Alexandra Community House
Tutor: Heather Smith
Cost: $20

Have a Go Pro? Great! But what do you do with all that amazing footage once you get home from your trip?

At This Workshop you Will:

Learn different filming techniques
Discover how you can use your existing footage to tell your unique story

Please Bring:

GoPro footage on a memory stick – unedited files
Your laptop if you wish

About the Tutor
Heather is a locally-based videographer. Originally from Luxembourg, she studied video production in Edinburgh before moving to New Zealand in 2008. At the heart of her work is the simple ability to tell a story; something she is keen to pass on to others.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR ALL WORKSHOPS – PLEASE SEE ENROLMENT FORM OR PHONE REAP ON 03 448-6115

MAKING A PHOTO BOOK - On a Computer

Sat, 9 Nov 2013 9:30:00 +1200

MAKING A PHOTO BOOK – On a Computer

Date: Saturday 9 November 2013
Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: Central Otago REAP, Alexandra Community House
Tutor: Gavin Dann
Cost: $25

You Will Learn How To:

Search for sites offering photobooks
Compare internet photobook products offered
Download software to enable a photobook to be constructed
Practise putting a photobook together
Follow procedures for checking out and uploading your photobook for printing

Your tutor will demonstrate the processes and you will be able to practise these. It is NOT invisaged that you will put together and upload a photobook in this workshop, but you should be able to gain the experience necessary to do so at home.
Please Bring:

Your own laptop if you have one (optional). We will have a computer you can use if you don’t have your own.
If you are bringing your laptop you can bring your photos already on your computer.
If you wish to use one of the REAP computers, please bring a memory stick with a selection of your photos on it.

About the Tutor
Gavin was a secondary school science and biology teacher before retiring. He has been a computing tutor at Central Otago REAP since 2002 when he began running courses for absolute beginners computing. Gavin relates well to people new to computing who are struggling to find their way. He has been writing stories for his grandchildren for a number of years, and has used his own photos to make several photobooks, recording special occassions.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR ALL WORKSHOPS – PLEASE SEE ENROLMENT FORM OR PHONE REAP ON 03 448-6115

Arts Gold Award Winners

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 9:30:00 +1200

Dunedin artist Max Bellamy has won the $5,000 Art Excellence award for his photo 'Des Artistes' at the 2013 Art Gold Awards. At an awards ceremony, held at the Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in Alexandra on Friday, over 100 guests gathered for the exhibition opening featuring the award finalists. Judges Jamie Hanton, Director of The Blue Oyster Art Project Space in Dunedin, and Felicity Milburn, from the Christchurch Art Gallery, said Mr Bellamy's photo was a work that revealed itself slowly, delivering unexpected reward for sustained consideration. "Its multitude of possible meanings is enriched by the work's understated irony and humour," Ms Milburn said. They felt the Arts Gold Awards gives local practitioners an opportunity to engage in a wider dialogue with artists from outside the Central Otago region and in turn gives those artists based elsewhere a chance to have their work seen in a new context. Eric Schusser, of Alexandra, was chosen as the Central Otago Artist Award winner. He received $2000 for his photo 'Hay Bale Wrapper #1', taken of a wind-torn wrapper along Riverbank Rd in Wanaka. "This work is a great example of an artist who has taken a familiar, and perhaps unremarkable, subject and transformed it into an object of beauty and mystery", Jamie Hanton said.

The 45 Arts Gold Award finalists work will be on display at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery until the 7th of December. This presents a fantastic opportunity to see an exhibition of this calibre where you will see many different approaches encompassing a broad range of media and artistic concerns. The public are encouraged to vote on their favourite artwork for the Viewers' Choice Award, which is announced on the 5th of December. Help the artist you love the most win $1,000. By voting you go into the draw to win) 6 bottles of Central Otago wine. Go to www.artsgold.co.nz to check out the online gallery.

List of artists in the exhibition: A.J. Villos, Alastair Hansen, Andi Regan, Anna Reid, Anna Smythe, Aroha Novak, Astrid Visser, Bianca Laing, Blue W Black, Brent Hollow, Clarry Neame, Daniel Roberts, David Gibbons, Desi Liversage, Eric Schusser, Jane Whitaker, Janyne Fletcher, Jillian Porteous, John Mayne, Justin Spiers, Kim Logue, Kristin O'Sullivan Peren, Lisa Chandler, Marion Mewburn, Max Bellamy, Megan Huffadine, Melita Johnston, Michael Deavoll, Moniek Schrijer, Natchez Hudson, Nigel Wilson, Philip Jarvis & Madeleine Child, Paula Grant, Peter Collis, Peter McLaren, Philippa OBrien, Ro Bradshaw, Rosemary Mortimer, Shane Burns, Sharnae Beardsley, Sue Scobie, Tania Bostock, Tanya Mercer, Tom Ellison and Vera Lin

The Arts Gold Exhibition is open daily 10am - 4pm until 7th of December.

The Central Otago District Arts Trust extends their sincere appreciation to the supporters and sponsors of the Arts Gold Awards: Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust, Russell Henderson Charitable Trust, Vincent Community Board, Pub Charity, Alexandra Community Arts Council, The 4 Marketeers and Olivers Quartz Reef Wine, Three Miners, New World, Henry's and Betta Electrical.

ARTISTS MUST BE IN TO WIN.

Mon, 8 Jul 2013 9:30:00 +1200

Central Otago District Arts Trust (CODAT) invites all New Zealand artists over the age of 18 to enter their second biennial art competition. The Arts Gold Awards 2013, (previously known as the Central Otago Art Awards) encourages the arts community to pursue excellence and help grow the visual arts to be valued and vital to our region.
CODAT hopes to attract contemporary works which will appeal to both a local and national audience. By presenting art from emerging and established New Zealand artists, CODAT confirms its mission to challenge, inspire and to involve more people in the arts, and to expand horizons for both artists and viewers.
This year’s judges are Dunedin Public Art Gallery Director Cam McCracken and Christchurch Art Gallery curator Felicity Milburn and it is a fantastic opportunity for artists to have their work scrutinised by these eminent art experts.
The winner of the Art Excellence Award will receive $5000 and the Central Otago Artist Award will receive $2000.
Both of these awards will be announced by the judges at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in Alexandra on the 25th of October at the VIP opening evening and the subsequent Arts Gold Awards exhibition will run from the 26th October until 7th December.
At the close of the exhibition, the Viewers’ Choice Award winner, determined by votes submitted both at the exhibition and via the online gallery, will be presented with the $1000 award. All those who vote for the Viewers' Choice Award will go into a draw to win a prize pack of delicious Central Otago Wine. Voting starts on the 26th of September.
Entries close 20th September 2013. To find out more or to enter go to www.artsgold.co.nz

Life Drawing with Megan Huffadine.

Sat, 22 Jun 2013 9:30:00 +1200

For this workshop Megan is using charcoals and chalk. Megan belongs to the Hullabaloo Art Space and is a very successful artist and teacher. The price of materials is included in the fee.

Dates: 22 June. Time: 9.30am-4pm Cost: $50.00
Place: Community House Alexandra.

Upon payment, class requirements will be sent to you & you will be enrolled in the class. Persons who are not members of the Central Otago Art Society will pay an extra $15.00 for each class. Membership costs $15 for 2013, if you’d like to join. Internet Banking Details: 03 1355 0542313 00, Cheques or monies can be paid to Beverley Robinson 13B Larch Crescent Alexandra. Enrolment in the classes: phone 03 448 5336

World Environment Day in Central Otago

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 9:30:00 +1200

Nigel Wilson spent most of World Environment Day at Central Otago WasteBusters creating a view of Old Man Range. Organised by Central Otago Reap and MAD4CO (Making A Difference For Central Otago), events included tours of the Wastebusters depot, Bokashi composting demonstrations and videos detailing what happens to material once it leaves the recycling centre.

The bleak yet strikingly beautiful painting being generated, contrasts sharply with the WasteBusters surrounding of cast off objects and materials (bottles, paper, plastics, furniture). Our fragile environment and its finite resources come into focus. We learn and act. World Environment Day is celebrated on 5 June and MAD4CO generate a week of activities and learnings each year.

Acrylics with Ro Bradshaw.

Sat, 25 May 2013 9:30:00 +1200

Interpreting our Otago Landscapes: Looking at our landscapes in a different way. Ro is a very exciting tutor; she shows you an in-depth way of thinking and painting your art work.

Dates: 25 -26 May. Time: 9.30am- 3pm Cost: $80.00
Place: Community House Alexandra.

Water Colours with Alan Waters.

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 9:30:00 +1200

New ways of thinking about this medium.
Alan is a very generous tutor and imparts his knowledge in an atmosphere of great fun. Bring the paintings that you have had difficulty with or the paintings you don’t like. Alan will help you transform them into the picture you want them to be.
Dates: 27-28 April. Time: 9.30am-3pm Cost: $80.00
Place: Community House Alexandra.

New theatre opening Alexandra

Sun, 3 Mar 2013 9:30:00 +1200

Lights! Sound! Action! The doors are open, the lights are on and the stage is set for art, music, drama, lectures and films in the new theatre complex in Central Stories. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes this boutique theatre has grown out of the remains of the sports pavilion on Pioneer Park and is a fabulous new use for a previously rarely used space. At a cost of $560,000 the development consists of an extension to the Russell Henderson Art Gallery, internal toilets, two ancillary rooms, a technology room and a 40 seat, tiered theatre. The theatre provides an intimate and cosy space for small productions, lectures and films.

The very latest digital movie projection equipment allows for 2D / 3D and 48 frame projection so both mainstream and art house movies can be shown. Lighting bars on the ceiling and walls with wiring back to the technology room means that small plays and productions can take place on the stage area. A lectern can be set up and wired to the projector for lectures and presentations. Eight speakers deliver high quality sound and a special wall lining makes sure there is no extraneous noise inside the theatre and ensures excellent acoustics. Good lighting, comfortable seats, air conditioning and heating all make for a great experience.

Three groups, the Central Cultural Centre Trust, Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery and Central Cinema have worked together to bring this project to fruition. Karin Bowen, Chair of the Working Group to develop the theatre complex said “The theatre complex provides a top quality, flexible space which can be used by community groups, schools, corporates, agencies and individuals to be creative and present their work. It is an asset to Central Otago giving a dedicated venue for those cultural activities that we all enjoy.”

CENTRAL OTAGO ARTS NEW OFFICE IN ALEX!

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 9:30:00 +1200

Happy New Year and wishing you all great success in 2013! It is exciting to start a fresh new year full of energy, ideas and opportunities.

Good news, the Central Otago District Arts Trust (CODAT) arts coordinator Maxine Williams is in her new office which is part of Alexandra’s new Community House and just across the road from Central Stories Museum in Centennial Ave. "I've been in my role as coordinator for three years nearly to the day and this is definitely a step up", say's Maxine. "It’s great to be here instead of working from home, my sunroom in fact, off from my bedroom"!

If you’d like to call in to say hi or to discuss how the arts trust might be able to help with any artistic endeavours, please do. She will be based there from 9-5 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and the other days by appointment.

The official opening for the public to have a look through Community House at 10.30am on Saturday 9th February and everyone is welcome to come along for a look around.

Central Otago Arts has been allocated a wall space in the foyer display local work and first up will be Odelle Morshuis. If you would like to check her artwork out click here to view her page on the arts directory.

Test

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 9:30:00 +1200

Test

Two Wanaka artists receive new residency.

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 9:30:00 +1200

Martin Hill and his partner and collaborator Philippa Jones are recipients of the 2012 inaugural programme of the Kenneth Myer Artist’s / Writer’s Alpine Retreat . They have completed the first part of the residency in which they will spend a total of 20 days working from Whare Kea Chalet at 1681 metres on the Albert Burn Saddle, opposite Mt Aspiring.

They have developed a project titled Watershed that will comprise a new body of work specifically looking at the water cycle, the ecological life it supports and its importance to a sustainable future. The location of the chalet is the watershed between two streams that feed into two river systems, the Matukituki and the Albert Burn.

The project examines the relationships between human systems and the water cycle that supports them. Works will also be made while following the descent of these significant river systems which both flow into Lake Wanaka. Concepts in development include ephemeral environmental sculptures, works on paper, photographic works, permanent sculptures and video, and the project is to be exhibited in New Zealand and Australia

Two artists receive Arts Scholarships

Thu, 8 Nov 2012 9:30:00 +1200

The Alexandra Community Arts Council has awarded their arts scholarship to two recipients for 2012/13. Each recipient will receive $1500 which was funds raised from the 2010 Art in the Garden. Art in the Garden in 2013 will be held again on January 5th and 6th,

Thomas Garden will use the funds to publish his graphic novel- sci fi comic series called System Earth. After leaving art school in 2010 Tom has been developing this sci fi comic series and intends to distribute around New Zealand and Australia as a traditional hard copy comic book.

Anne Marie Hope -Cross photographic artist will use the funding to assist in her costs to be an artist in residence in Lacock Abbey the birthplace of photography. Anne Marie has been invited to attend by the Fox Talbot Museum in Lacock, Wiltshire England to participate in an artist’s residency during the English summer 2013.

DHS Golden Jubilee Art Exhibition - Call for entries

Fri, 5 Oct 2012 9:30:00 +1200

“Celebrating the Art of students and teachers at Dunstan Past and Present”

The Dunstan High School PTA is calling for entries for an art exhibition to be held in conjunction with the Dunstan High School 50th Jubilee celebrations over Labour Weekend this year. Entries are open to teachers or pupils - past and present who attended or worked at Dunstan.

The exhibition will be held in the Dunstan High School Drama Suite over the three days of the Jubilee and all works will be for sale.

Click this link DHS_Art_Exhibition_online_Entry_Form.docx to download and fill in the online entry form to email to musso.p@xtra.co.nz

Click this link DHS_Art_Exhibition_Entry_Form.pdf to download an entry form to print out and post.

Creative Writing Workshop

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 9:30:00 +1200

HERO'S JOURNEY WORKSHOP

How do we get to be a hero in our own life? And how does mythology relate to our lives today? Author and teacher Jillian Sullivan will be in Wanaka this week to run a Hero’s Journey workshop. Aimed originally for writers, this workshop can be of great interest to anyone looking at a way to understand patterns in life.

Sullivan teaches the Hero’s Journey and creative writing for Massey University and for the Highlights Foundation in the United States. She has now shifted to Central Otago to be near family, and is looking forward to sharing knowledge within her new community.

The workshop, based on the work by Joseph Campbell, gives participants a chance, through writing and listening, to be aware of the stages of the Hero’s Journey in their own lives – and for writers, in the lives of their characters. It can be used to illuminate plot, structure, or character development, or to understand your own journey. Sullivan will also hold a second workshop on character and dialogue. She says this workshop will be fun and productive, and is suitable for those just starting out to write or for writers midway in a project.

Hero’s Journey workshop:
When: August 16th, 5.30-9pm
Where: Rm 29, Mount Aspiring College, Wanaka.
Cost: $35

Character and Dialogue workshop:
When: August 23rd, 5.30-9pm

Upcoming workshops are planned for Queenstown and for Cromwell.
For details and bookings: phone Jillian on 021 398 522

Character and Dialogue Workshop

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 9:30:00 +1200

Character and Dialogue workshop: A fun, productive workshop. If you haven’t started writing fiction, you can start here. We’ll create characters and get them talking. If you’re midway in a writing project, this workshop will stimulate or deepen your character work. You’ll learn, by doing, how dialogue fits in a piece of fiction, what work dialogue does and how to make it stronger.

When: August 23rd, 5.30-9pm
Where: Rm 29, Mount Aspiring College, Wanaka.
Cost: $35
Details: ph Jillian 021398522

BANNOCKBURN ARTIST WINS FOURTH AWARD IN A YEAR

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 9:30:00 +1200

Bannockburn based artist Megan Huffadine has picked up her fourth sculpture award in the last twelve months.

Last week Huffadine won the ILT Art Awards Sculpture Prize in Invercargill capping off a year in which she won this award twice as well as the Waitakere Art Awards Lincoln Green Sculpture Award in Auckland as well as the Central Otago Art Awards for a Central Otago artist.

Her winning work at the ILT Awards, “a third collection from the Megan wins againmuseum of forgotten histories” is a wall work with 22 individual sculptures.

Huffadine draws on her experience in archaeology and working in museums to create her sculptures. This work concerns the objects that survive and outlast the lives of their makers and owners. Beginning with real objects Huffadine draws and reworks the forms creating new sculptures. As a result the works are ambiguous, yet have a sense of the familiar. “This reflects the telling and retelling of histories”, said Huffadine.

The arrangement of sculptures on the wall is reminiscent of museum displays giving the sense of a language or story waiting to be read. The judges commented that the work …. “has an intrigue that draws the viewer in for a closer look at the individual elements within the collection. It is a work that cleverly controls the viewers’ time and attention to read, reflect and unravel the mysteries within”.

MANIOTOTO WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP WITH TODD SISSON

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 9:30:00 +1200

The beautiful wide open spaces of the Maniototo with it's stunning backdrop of snow draped mountains and clear blue skies makes this part of Central Otago a photographer's dream. Golden pink sunbeams creeping up the Hawkdun Range, ice covered dams, frost sparkling on tussock, pristine and fresh are all part of the magical Maniototo in winter.

This will be a fun and comprehensive learning experience for anyone who wishes to take their outdoor and landscape photography to the next level - this workshop has gift potential written all over it!

Todd Sisson is a professional landscape photographer from Alexandra, Central Otago. Todd has been a full-time landscape photographer since 2007 (and a full-time commercial photographer since 2002)

Fri, 10 August 2012
Friday
Sat, 11 August 2012
Saturday
Sun, 12 August 2012
Sunday

Click here to find out more

MANIOTOTO WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP WITH TODD SISSON

Fri, 3 Aug 2012 9:30:00 +1200

Todd Sisson is a professional landscape photographer from Alexandra, Central Otago. Todd has been a full-time landscape photographer since 2007 (and a full-time commercial photographer since 2002)

Dates:

Fri, 3 August 2012
Sat, 4 August 2012
Sun, 5 August 2012

Click here to find out more

C O REAP After School Art Classes

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 9:30:00 +1200

Tutor: Isabel Radka

Venue: Central Stories Pavilion

Dates: Tuesday July 31-Sept 7th

Two groups

7 - 9 year olds 3.30 -4.15pm $60 for six sessions

10 - 13 year old 4.30-5.30pm $70 for six sessions

Contact Ruth Arnott 03 4492 448

ruth@coreap.org.nz

Wood Working Workshops - Alexandra

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 9:30:00 +1200

Grant Jefcoate will be running a woodworking class each Tuesday for 8 weeks. 17, 24, 31 July, 7, 14, 21, 28 August & 4 September 2012

This series of workshops offers you the opportunity to be supported as you plan and construct your woodwork project. You will bring your own wood and other materials for the construction of your project.

Time: 7 - 9pm at the manual room at the Terrace School. All welcome.

About the Tutor: Grant Jefcoate
Grant is a trained carpenter with specialist skills in woodwork and the related construction industry. He has taught technology workshops at school for 29 years, currently at the Terrace School.

Fee: $85

For further information please contact:
Central Otago REAP, 17A Brandon Street, Alexandra.
Phone: 03-448-6115,

Funky Feet Funky Beat

Sat, 30 Jun 2012 9:30:00 +1200

Central Otago Rhythm Expression Invites Your Children to: Funky Feet Funky Beat

These will be a fantastic series of workshops. Embrace dance and movement with your children. They will establish an appreciation for music and rhythm while promoting creativity in the young participants. Fun for the whole family!

Half hour class followed by morning tea (provided). Gold coin per child. All welcome. Registration recommended as numbers are limited.

Contact Anna Robinson for further details: rhythmnaturalnz@gmail.com or phone (022) 652-2779

Saturdays: 30 June, 14 July, 28 July, 11 August, 25 August
Mondays: 2 July, 16 July, 30 July, 13 August, 27 August (NB: Monday session is a repeat of Saturday session)

At: SBS Meeting Room, Central Stories, Alexandra 10:00 a.m. In association with Central Lakes Trust and REAP

Alexandra Library School Holiday Programme

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 9:30:00 +1200

From Friday 29th June to Friday 13th July - Alexandra Library School Holiday Winter Reading Challenge; Design a hot air balloon; and Walk the Gold Carpet - design a fabulous gold carpet outfit and be in to win.
Contact 03 448 9412 or head into the Library for more details.

Open Studio Weekend a Success

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 9:30:00 +1200

Sunny Central has certainly been living up to its name over the last few weeks with a stunning show of glorious autumn weather, what a wonderful place to be. Rail Trail bikers and walkers are streaming along the golden, poplar-lined tracks, experiencing the true beauty of this season. Before it's too cold and the sublime monotones of winter set in, try to get out and enjoy these golden days. Leave your computer behind, stretch your legs and breathe in the subtle aromas of autumn.

Our first ever Artist Open Studio Weekend at Easter was a great success and from the feedback we received, it offered a new alternative to the usual events. We are truly grateful to the artists who gave their precious time to show visitors their studio spaces and their work. It has given us invaluable insights into how a permanent arts trail for Central Otago would work and how we can make it happen.

The Great Easter Art Escape

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 9:30:00 +1200

An area which is often regarded as sacrosanct and private will be opened up to the public over the upcoming Easter Weekend. The personal world of the working artist’s studio is to be revealed to visitors over the Saturday and Sunday of Easter thanks to a new initiative from the Central Otago District Arts Trust.

The ‘Artist Open Studio Weekend’ is a Central Otago-wide event which will feature over 40 artisans who will open up their workspaces to the public. Organisers hope that people will take the time to visit all of the artists taking part at some stage during the 7th and 8th April.

“What a fantastic way to spend your Easter weekend,” says Arts Coordinator Maxine Williams. Ms Williams says she has been extremely busy gathering in all the information about the artists and their workspaces and loading it onto the Central Otago Arts website where a new Arts Trail page, dedicated to the event, has been created.

“People can either utilise the website for information or pick up a brochure with maps and details about the artists, from any Central Otago I-Site to devise their own self-drive tour.”

Ms Williams say the response from the creative community in Central Otago has been amazing and a huge credit to the artists of the region.

“We are so privileged. For some artists this will be the first time they’ve ever had people in their working environment. When do you ever get an opportunity like this? - to visit a selection of artists’ studios, to watch them at work, and you might even pick up a piece of art at a great price? It is also a chance for the artist to take their work to the next level and interact with the public. It’s a win-win for all,” says Ms Williams.

She says it’s a great way to see more of the countryside glowing in glorious autumn colours. “Why not get a little group of friends together and drive around Central’s back-roads to find the small towns with our hidden artisans and get an insight into what makes them tick.

“On the trail there are also cafes featuring artists at work as well as annual exhibitions.

Pub Charity and Creative Communities proudly supports The Central Otago District Arts Trust helping make the ‘Artist Open Studio Weekend’ event happen.

Central's Golden Arts Trail 2012

Wed, 7 Mar 2012 9:30:00 +1200

What we want to let you all know about is an Artists Open Studios Weekend CODAT planning in Central Otago for Easter 7 – 8 April 2012. This is a time when our region has its most visitors. Mainly Kiwis around these parts and often there is not a lot to do for our local tourists. I would like to know if any artists would to open up your work space to the public during this weekend. We plan to run it across Central Otago and maybe split into different areas, Raes Junction – Clyde, Maniototo, Cromwell and Wanaka? This would all depend on your response of course.

Central Otago Art Society annual Easter exhibition is on in Clyde and the Wine and Foods Festival is on Easter Sunday which brings many people to the region. Maniototo has an Easter Market along with Bards, Ballads and Bulldust Festival in Nasby. Easter is the time of the annual Exhibition of the Cromwell Combined Society of Arts & Crafts and Warbirds over Wanaka is on too. We hope to do some cross promotions with galleries, exhibitions as well as businesses like wineries, eating and accommodation establishments and maybe even real estate open homes. Any business that aligns with the arts could be involved

Essentially, it will be structured and we plan to publish a Central Otago Studio Tour Guide with maps and directions. We will advertise it well and provide downloadable information printouts from the website. I’m guessing a few of you might be thinking heck I don’t want anyone coming into my mess but It doesn’t really matter if you work from your kitchen table or a bedroom; people love to engage with people. If they can meet you and glean a bit more about whom you are, why and how you do what you do, there is a much higher opportunity to get a sale. This could be a chance to get all your old work out from under the beds and in the closet, reduce the price by fifty percent to move it on to a better place.

One of our core beliefs and expectations about Open Studio Weekend is that being in the studio environment educates visitors about the working life of an artist. Hopefully you all can see the potential benefits of this initiative. Please let me know your thoughts and if you are interested or if you aren't sure what to do, give me a call. A least this gives you enough time to plan something.

We're excited to be embarking on this new project and see it as a prerequisite to the Central Otago Arts trail. We look forward to working with you to make it happen. As always, events like this require a lot of volunteer hours but these are often rewarded with camaraderie. We hope you'll give this a try!

For more information contact Maxine on 022 4626328

Artists selected for the Central Otago Art Awards

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 9:30:00 +1200

The Co-ordinator and Trustees of the Central Otago District Arts Trust have much pleasure announcing the finalists selected for inclusion in the inaugural Central Otago Art Awards exhibition to be held at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in Alexandra from 8th September until 26th October.

Odelle Morshuis
Luke Anthony
Megan Huffadine
Pauline Bellamy
Keith Hastings
Chris Naylor
Andi Regan
Esther Dexter
Stella Eve Senior
Jillian Porteous
Ro Bradshaw
Nigel Wilson
Bernadette King
Sonia Keogh
Tim Hawkins
Diana Kroon
Heather Smith
Tomoe Baker
Gail de Jong
Rachel Hirabayashi
Dorothy Piper
Liz Kempthorne
Philippa Obrien
Jim Robbie
Shelley Witters
Stephen Mulqueen
Kim Logue
Madeleine Child
Susanne Kerr
Rebecca Thomson
Liz Fea
Alison Staniland
Louise McRae
Stafford Allpress
Catherine Russ
Mehrdad Tahan
Ben Reid
Darryl John Robertson
Karin Strachan
Anna Smythe
Philip Jarvis
Toni Mosley
Marie Potter
Emma Chalmers
Peter Mclaren
Max Bellamy
Alan Ibell
Jasmine Middlebrook
Olav Nielsen
John Wolters

There were submissions from over 200 artists and with just 50 works being selected, the resulting show promises to be different, exciting and stimulating. By their very nature, all jury processes are subjective - our jury panel consisted of two highly regarded artists; Jim Cooper, ceramicist from Dunedin, and Kathryn Mitchell, writer, artist, tutor and programme manager at the Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill.

At the opening event on 8th September at Central Stories museum and Art Gallery in Alexandra, the winners of the $5000 Art Excellence Awards and the $2000 Central Otago Artist Awards will be announced by the judges: Elizabeth Caldwell, of Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and Jim Geddes, of Eastern Southland Art Gallery.

Guests will be treated to an evening of wine, food, music, song and poetry. Please note that we require your RSVP to coordinator@centralotagoarts.com by 30th August.

The $1000 Alexandra Community Arts Viewers Choice award would be announced after the exhibition closed on October 26. From 9 September people can go online to vote for their favourite work: www.centralotagoarts.com/art-awards

Tickets they are $30 and are available now from Central Stories Museum or from Hullabaloo Art Space in Old Cromwell

Artists keen to enter awards

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 9:30:00 +1200

Entries are now open for the inaugural Central Otago Art Awards being held in September/October of this year. The Central Otago District Arts Trust is now accepting submissions for this nationwide, juried exhibition

“Already I've had heaps of artists ringing and emailing to get an entry form since the word got out and now at last I can point them in the right direction. I took us longer than expected to make it all happen but now things are right on track,” says Central Otago art coordinator Maxine Williams.

She has been busy arranging the call for entries adverts to go in newspapers and magazines all around the country. She's also created a Facebook page for the event and has added an Art Awards page to the www.centralotagoarts.com website so artists can apply online or download an entry form to submit.

Ms Williams is also excited to announce two key judges who are now confirmed to attend the event. “I think we have two of the best art adjudicators in the country. Elizabeth Caldwell and Jim Geddes are directors of two of the most respected art galleries in the South Island, Dunedin Public Art Gallery and the Eastern Southland Gallery in Gore, (home of the famous John Money collection)."

“Hopefully with our top judges and the great prize money we will attract the quality of entries we are looking for," Ms Williams said. “Artists will have to get their skates on though as entries close on 9 August; that gives them two months to come up with something” she added.

The Central Otago Art Awards aims to seek and celebrate the finest artisans this country has to offer and the competition is open to all New Zealand residents’ 18-years and over. Artists are invited to submit their best art work to the esteemed selection panel for the highest level of exposure and recognition. Eligible entries include all mediums, excluding video and installations. All work must be the original work of the applicant, suitable for gallery installation and available for sale.

Plans for a gala opening night to acknowledge the significance of the awards is under way with a VIP Art Awards Evening, is to be held on Thursday 8 September at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, Alexandra. Art award winners will be announced by the judges, along with guest speakers, beautiful Central Otago wine, finger food, live music, poetry readings by renowned local poets and exciting giveaways.

Deadline for entries is before 5pm 9 August 2011. All the best New Zealand artists should enter here: www.centralotagoarts.com

CODAT on YouTube

Wed, 2 Feb 2011 9:30:00 +1200

Check out Central Otago Arts on YouTube.

News Item 1

Wed, 5 Jan 2011 9:30:00 +1200

The sky is the limit for Central Otago artists since the launch of www.centralotagoarts.com, an innovative website built to promote the region's arts.

Artists and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the launch of the new website recently at Central Otago Stories Museum and Gallery, Alexandra.

www.centralotagoarts.com has been a major project this year for Central Otago District Arts Trust (CODAT).

After years of consultation and planning, Central Otago arts are now being marketed both locally and globally. The new site, a first for the region, opens a window on local arts' events so intending visitors can coincide their trips to time with activities and individual artists' gallery hours.

News Item 2

Tue, 4 Jan 2011 9:30:00 +1200

The sky is the limit for Central Otago artists since the launch of www.centralotagoarts.com, an innovative website built to promote the region's arts.

Artists and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the launch of the new website recently at Central Otago Stories Museum and Gallery, Alexandra.

www.centralotagoarts.com has been a major project this year for Central Otago District Arts Trust (CODAT).

Website launch

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 9:30:00 +1200

We warmly invite you to the presentation of our brand new arts website.

Join us for a glass of wine and some nibbles - enjoy the live music of Gilly Darby.

RSVP by Friday 26th November, please email coordinator@centralotagoarts.com

Screening at Central Stories

Tue, 5 Oct 2010 9:30:00 +1200

Bookings at Central Stories or by phoning: 03 448 7850

(No bookings after 4.30pm on day of screening)

Non-members $12, Members $10, Children (15 and under) $8

Door sales available unless booked out. Please note : No EFTPOS available

Location : Behind the Central Stories Museum, 21 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra

http://www.centralcinema.co.nz/

News Item 3

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 9:30:00 +1200

Artists and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the launch of the new website recently at Central Otago Stories Museum and Gallery, Alexandra.