M
eeting our prominent local artists in their studios is
what Mercury Bay Art Escape is all about and over
1400 visitors (over half from out of the area) racked up
10,000 studio visits. We also joined in the fun. The sunny
weather on both weekends made the driving part of the
tour a delight as many of the studios were in stunning
locations along the coast. It was a highlight of Greg’s
mum’s visit from America (see photo right).
– Tovi Daly
This two-weekend, four-day self-guided tour – is now
officially a yearly event. Tour administrator Charlotte Giblin
says the decision was the right one. “The visitors didn’t feel
that they had to rush from studio to studio and spent a lot
longer at each chatting with the artists.”
The tour started with the Friday evening launch party at Hot
Waves Café – great wine, great food and great company! An
exhibition of works from each participating artist continued
at the café through March. In addition, each locale had a hub
gallery to exhibit works by artists in that area.
2014 Art Escape Scholarship winners Caitlin
Stoyel-Wiggens and Cosette O’Connell from
Mercury Bay Area School helped curate the
exhibition as part of their creative experience.
They also visited many of the tour’s open studios.
Next year’s tour is March 7-8 and 14-15, with the
March 6 launch party again at the Hot Waves
Café. Learn more about the participating
artists online at
Marion Manson Appointed
New Administrator
Charlotte Giblin has been a big contributor to the growing
success of MBAE in her role as administrator the past
two years. However, she will now be participating rather
than organising – Charlotte has resigned to pursue her
own increasingly successful artistic career. The Trust has
announced Marion Manson to replace Charlotte.
Marion is a textile artist with a professional background in
the development, management and curation of exhibitions in
galleries and other venues in the Waikato Region, including
ArtsPost Gallery and Shop in Central Hamilton.
A part time resident in Cooks Beach
for 3 years, Marion is quite familiar
with the Mercury Bay arts scene. She
will focus on the Trust’s major events:
the March Open Studio Tour, August
Coromandel Arts and Crafts Fair in
Whitianga, the Trust’s scholarships,
artist development and fundraising.
David Kinzett of Tohu Wines with MBAE
board member Gilbert Bannan. Tohu is the
new wine sponsor for MBAE; everyone
who attended opening night received a free
glass of wine, compliments of the vineyard.
Rave reviews go to Hot Waves Café for
providing a great venue, excellent food and
friendly service. Pictured are longtime MBAE
supporter and Café owner, Mary Channings
(front left) and team (l to r: Editha Levis, Milly
Thompson, Claire Cannon & Hebe Kendal).
Award Winning Artworks
People’s Choice Award, went to new MBAE
member Ginney Deavoll for “First Wave”,
acrylic on surfboard.
Verena Tagman’s painting, “A Twist in the
Sky”, won the ‘Artists Choice Award’, as
voted on by the artists themselves.
Publisher Greg Daly’s mum, Fern Huffman, shown with artist Airdrie Hamilton with her signed
limited print of “Fantail” in front of Airdrie’s historic cottage studio (a remnant from Kuaotunu’s
Gold Rush era (see page 16).
MERCURY BAY
ART ESCAPE
BUILDS
MOMENTUM
art scene
07 866 3887 • 8 Pye Place • Hot Water Beach • Whitianga
A favourite of both locals and visitors,
Hot Waves is just a minute’s stroll
from Hot Water Beach. Enjoy gourmet
dining inside or out on this one-acre
native garden teaming with bird life.
One of the best eateries on the Coromandel
Live music last Sunday of the month.
Hi Tovi
Would like to keep the ad as it is but
just need to change the opening hours
7 Days a Week 8.30am to 4.00pm.
Friday nights we stay open till 8.30pm
for our Open Mic and Pizza’s night
Open 7 days 8:30am-4pm • Fridays till 8:30 pm for Open Mic & Pizza night
Opening Hours: 7 days (Labour Weekend - Easter) 10am - 5.30pm
Winter: 5 days (closed Tues & Wed) 10am - 3 pm
07 866 3033 • 3/3 Grange Rd • Hahei • Whitianga 3591
COME IN AND BROWSE OUR EXTENSIVE GIFT RANGE
•
wall art
•
prints and cards by Rachel Olsen and Charlotte Giblin
•
•
gorgeous NZ made skincare
•
paua and silver jewellery
•
stunning hats for summer
•
•
toys for all ages
•
cards
•
gift wrapping
•
exclusive range by studio k
•
Our Deli provides our very popular Habitat condiments,
a collection of specialty foods and smallgoods and a selection of kitchenware.
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