WEST COAST ART IN THE PARK 2010

Perfect weather was the icing on the cake at another fabulous celebration of arts at the March 2010 Art in the Park event.  We have great pleasure in bringing a creative experience to all who attend this event.  This is an interactive, family friendly event for the entire family.

Two days before the event the hard yards began …

  The Visual Artists provide a feast for art lovers in many different genres.  55 artists from the West Coast and other regions exhibited hundreds of original pieces of great work, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glass, woodwork, mixed media, metal work and photography.  From the magnificent life size sculptures of West Coaster and well known sculptor, Rory McDougall to the striking stylized pastel paintings of Christchurch artist Ann Wilson, the diversity of artworks was an inspiration to all. As artists were in attendance, the public had the added value of being able to meet and chat with the artists; a process which has proven to be advantageous to both parties.   Barbara McQuarrie, one of the artists in action, demonstrated U.V printing under light, which fascinated onlookers.   From practical to surreal, witty to the extravagant, there was bound to be something for everyone.  Altogether the exhibitions were very enjoyable and inspiring for both public and artists.

The Performing Artists provided exciting and diversified entertainment.  The enthusiastic young Kapa Haka group was the first number, setting the tone for the day.   Greymouth Municipal Band, Just Jazz,  Planet Paris, Silvertones, I.D. Crisis, Craig Soster, Nkange Kwambile the belly dancers (check them out on You Tube   http://bit.ly/ArtInTheParkBellydance) and The Red Dance Group all kept our toes tapping and hands clapping.  We were proud to host the Red Dance Group – they have just recently competed in the National Dance Competitions and from there have qualified to compete in Las Vegas at the World Dance Competitions in 2011.  We wish them the very best of luck. 

The young singer/songwriter Carmen Salvador, all the way from Chile, not only had a beautiful voice and repertoire, but she also added a rich International flavour to the festival. www.myspace.com/carmensalvador

And talking of rich International flavours!!   A surprise visit from the delightful Argentinean couple Herman and Cande Zapp, who together with their four children (all born en route!) are travelling around the world in their 1928 Graham Paige car – and living in it.  This added another dimension to the festivities of Art in the Park.  The couple have written an inspiring book on their travels from Argentina to Alaska.  They have just completed their travels through Australia and New Zealand.  10 years on the road so far…  Asia next!  www.sparkyourdreams.com

Also on the International front: Eric Orr, the graffiti artist from New York in the States, had masses of young people enjoying his demonstrations and trying their hand at doing some graffiti art themselves.

The Solid Energy Art Activity Tent was extremely popular – it was buzzing with a large variety of activities and people, of all ages, all day. 

The Young Peoples’ Art Exhibition was also very well supported and we visualize lots of up and coming exhibitors at future events! Their art was also available to purchase.  In addition to Shantytown’s Everybody’s Tearooms, five different caterers provided a variety of delicious foods and Killa Coffee supplied tantalizingly rich and aromatic coffee all day.  Art in the Park tries to use caterers working towards raising funds for other community organizations.

Amongst all the other activities and exhibitions were: The Grey Valley Quilters, the forge and metal work, handmade knives, floral art and cake decorating demonstrations, performance poetry, storytelling, carriage rides drawn by beautiful Shire horses and much, much more….  Be sure to check the photo gallery to get a taste of all that was on offer.

Another huge plus for the event is the Shuttle Bus Service provided by Cliff Sandrey.  The shuttle service runs from town every hour on the hour and saves the hassle of looking for parking in the very busy car park.  It also, of course, helps to reduce the carbon footprint.  Visitors are encouraged to make use of this wonderful service.

St Johns ambulance was in attendance all day, as were the volunteers from the National Bank, manning the EFTPOS and credit card facilities.  The committee is extremely grateful to all the volunteers who gave so unstintingly of their time.

We are delighted to announce the TOP TWENTY visual arts sellers at the 2010 event:

THE TOP FOUR are   Christopher Webster, Pat Lindbom,  Robyn Jacobs and The Westland Cake Decorators.

 The following seventeen are in alphabetical order only:

Andris Apse;   Jules Bell;  Fiona Carruthers;  Lyn Coleman;  Pat Dolamore;  Noel Finnerty;  Rachel Hirabayashi;  Margaret Howard;  Michelle Irwin;  Chris Lewis;  Bob McQuarrie;  Stewart Nimmo;  Jane Riley;  Runanga School;  Janice Scott;  Jenny Thomas;  Marlene Trounson. Our warmest congratulations to them all.

Our warmest congratulations too to “The Best Young Artist at Art in the Park 2010”:   TOM DWYER – we hope he will keep up the good work and that we will see him and his work at Art in the Park in future years!

HUGE thanks to all our sponsors:  Principal Sponsors: YOUTHTOWN and Solid Energy Coals of NZ.  Also proudly sponsored by Guest TV; Creative NZ; Grey District Council; COGS; West Coast Community Trust; Development West Coast.

Next year’s event will be held on 5 & 6 MARCH 2011.  Celebrating our FIFTH birthday with art, cuisine and fabulous entertainment – don’t miss it!

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS COPRIGHT TO ART IN THE PARK. PHOTOGRAPHS BY  SEAN COLEMAN,  WENDY ROSS AND THE MORLEYS’