Art in the Park 2010 (view photos)

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.

The Visual Artists provide a feast for art lovers in many different genres.  55 West Coast artists joined by artists from 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.

Art in the Park 2009

ART IN THE PARK AND HISTORY MIX WELL.

Art in the Park’s move to Shantytown proved to be the right one as bus and car loads of visitors poured into the historic village of Shantytown, on 7th March, to see work by West Coast and visiting artists.  A few showers during the day did little to hinder the enthusiasm of visitors, artists, performers and refreshment sellers.

Visitors, artists and the Art in the Park Committee agreed the day was a huge success.

Art in the Park 2008

THE 2008 ART IN THE PARK FESTIVAL WAS CHALLENGED BY A TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR!  WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO SAY THAT ALTHOUGH THE WEATHER WAS AGAINST US, THE COMMUNITY TURNED UP TRUMPS.  THE INTREPID ARTISTS ARRIVED WITH THEIR ART WORK AND SET  UP INSIDE THE WATERIGHT MARQUEES.  SADLY THE GROUND WASN’T WATERTIGHT AND FOR THE ENTIRE DAY ARTISTS AND PUBLIC ALIKE WADED THROUGH SOGGY TERRAIN, EVEN THOUGH NOT A DROP OF RAIN FELL ON THEM!THE ART WORKS ON DISPLAY WERE OF THE USUAL HIGH STANDARD AND THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARRIVED IN THE RAIN TO ENJOY THE DISPLAYS WERE PLEASED TO BE THERE.  THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT WAS VERY BOUYANT AND LIVELY AND A NUMBER OF GOOD SALES WERE MADE.NUMBERS WERE DEFINITELY DOWN, BUT  DESPITE THAT THE EVENT WAS A SUCCESS, CONSIDERING THE WEATHER CONDITIONS.VERY UNFORTUNATELY OUR FANTASTIC PERFORMING ARTS PROGRAMME HAD TO BE CANCELLED, AS MUSICIANS HAD NO WISH TO EXPOSE THEIR INSTRUMENTS TO THE ELEMENTS.  MONTHS OF REHEARSING IS BEING PUT ON HOLD FOR OUR NEXT EVENT.THE CATERERS DID A MAGNIFICENT JOB OF SUPPLYING HOT FOOD AND DRINK THROUGHOUT THE DAY.  ONE CATERER WENT THE EXTRA MILE BRINGING IN JOB LOTS OF BRIGHTLY PATTERNED AND COLOURED GUM BOOTS WHICH SOLD LIKE HOT CAKES!!SUCH WAS THE WONDERFUL SPIRIT EVIDENT THROUGHOUT THE DAY.  NOTHING CAN DAMPEN THE SPIRITS AND ENTHUSIASM OF THE WEST COAST COMMUNITY!

Art in the Park 2008 was proudly sponsored by: Development West Coast; Grey District Council; Creative Communities NZ; Solid Energy; West Coast Community Trust; COGS – Community Organisation Grants Scheme; Bill Blackadder Trust; Greymouth Rotary Club, TrustPower, Scenicland FM.
 

Art in the Park 2007

First Art in the Park was a Great Success. The day opened with a powhiri to welcome our South African visitors and guests from other parts of New Zealand.

The several thousand people who enjoyed this day were able to browse the art stalls, listen to and watch a wide variety of talented performers, and choose from a delicious range of food. There were also art activities for children to participate in throughout the day. The mosaic the children made will be displayed permanently in Albert Mall.