Whanganui Artists Open STudios 2011

More than 60 Whanganui artists and galleries are set to open their studios to the public during the last two weekends of March' – growing the city’s reputation as the premier centre for the arts.

Now in its 11th year, the Whanganui Artists Open Studios event has become a heavyweight fixture on the New Zealand art lovers' calendar. “We expect over 3000 visitors. They come to purchase quality art works at studio door prices and to have a peek behind the scenes,” says Open Studios spokesperson, Jo Ockey.

 Our premier evening event on March 19th is dinner with guest speaker Greg King from Wellington lawyer, entertainer and story-teller, accompanied by contemporary jazz at Element Cafe, Whanganui.

New Zealand's first ever is ‘The World’s Smallest Library ‘ – is a phone booth transformed into an oasis of literary expression as artists’, writers and community members swap of their treasured books or verse. This is an wonderful way to share favourite reads involving the whole community.

Ms Ockey says the programme also features an array of events. Poetry readings by David Merritt and book launch by Chris Moisa.

There are also heavily subsidised workshops such as night-time photographic workshop led by photographer Leigh Mitchell-Anyon and a glass workshop by Claudia Borella. Class sizes are limited and students need to register on-line quickly as they are filling fast.

“Whanganui has become famous for its richness of artistic media and Open Studios allows the city to reveal diversity of artistic creativity in the city and surrounding areas,” says Jo Ockey.

For detailed information visit www.openstudios.co.nz

For further information about Whanganui Artists Open Studios please contact spokesperson Jo Ockey telephone 022 014 2787.