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2009 MAORI ART MARKet

Toi Maori Aotearoa Media Release
14 September 2009

Porirua will play host to MAORI ART MARKet when it showcases the work of more than 160 leading and emerging contemporary Maori artists. Exhibited work will range from painting, carving, photography and weaving through to silver jewellery, clay, mixed media and Ta Moko. An estimated $1 million of artwork is predicted to change hands at the event or soon after.

Pataka Museum and the newly opened Te Rauparaha Events Centre will be the venues for MAORI ART MARKet on October 9, 10, 11. The weekend festival driven by Toi Maori Aotearoa alongside Pataka Museum has become an international showcase for established and emerging artists, many of who will be present demonstrating their work.

The New Zealand concept is based on the highly successful INDIAN MARKET, which evolved over 80 years ago and is held in Santa Fe every August. As part of this concept, other indigenous artists are invited to attend. This year Patricia Michaels, the renowned Native American Fashion designer, Dan Namingha the Hopi Indian contemporary painter, Richard Zane Smith master ceramicist of the Wyandot Nation, and Dempsey Bob the Tahltan Tlingit sculptor will be attending MAORI ART MARKet. Invited Pacific artists include Lorene Taurerewa, Michel Tuffery, and writer and painter Albert Wendt.