Raglan show expands

The creative talents of Raglan's artists will be showcased in next month's Raglan Festival of Art.

The festival was launched in 2006 to raise the profile of the town's artists.

This year's festival starts on March 1 and has been expanded to three days, with 60 to 70 artists expected to participate.

Festival chairperson Jane Galloway will be among those exhibiting their artwork at the Old School Arts Centre and the Raglan Town Hall.

Galloway said the festival originated from an art and expo event in 2005.

"It was an extremely successful event which attracted thousands of visitors, but a comment we got from many people was that they were disappointed it wasn't on for longer," she said.

"The first proper festival in 2006 went for two days and involved about 50 artists. This year we've grown the event and expect it to be just as popular."

To participate in the festival, artists must either reside in Raglan or the surrounding area.

Artworks range from Jean Carbon's silk kimonos dyed using traditional Japanese dyeing techniques to Chris Meek's scrap metal creations.

"A lot of Raglan artists are very successful but tend to exhibit outside of Raglan. This festival allows them to exhibit in their hometown," Galloway said.

"We also wanted to involve emerging artists in the festival so they can learn and pick up new ideas from their peers."

Galloway, who has a diploma of fine arts from Elam Art School in Auckland, has lived in Raglan for the past 16 years. Her landscape paintings often depict coastal scenes around Raglan.

"I think living in Raglan brings you closer to nature."

Galloway said she hoped future festivals would grow to include music and performing arts.  

- © Fairfax NZ News