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“We are excited to be announcing the 9th
Coromandel Artstour,” says Matt Sephton,
events co-ordinator. “The open studio event will
be held over two weekends: April 11/12 and
18/19, showcasing the vast artistic and creative
talent we have here in Coromandel Town and
beyond.”
This year, there are over 30 participating
artists, from Thames in the south, right up to
Colville in the north, with the majority based in
and around Coromandel Town. “These artists
will open their studios and welcome you into
their environment”, Matt adds. “Where you see
the process and discover fresh new work as it
is created. And it’s an opportunity to purchase
direct from the creators.”
ARTIST STUDIOS
OPEN APRIL 11-12 & 18-19
Studio Highlights
Coromandel Artstour
Potter Louis Kittleson
has a beautiful studio on
Driving Creek Road where he
fires his pots in an impressive
anagama style kiln. Come visit
his magical gallery, Tokatea
Clayworks, set amongst the
bush, and see ceramic objects
that have been fired using a
range of high fire techniques.
Visitors enjoy
unique studios
Many of the studios are
quite unique, like Petra
Meyboden, a potter on
Driving Creek Road. Visitors
love the sculpture garden
full of tall totems and hand
thrown Nikau that surround
her studio.
Studios are open from 10am to 4pm daily both
weekends. (Contact the artists directly if you
wish to visit outside these hours.) The Artstour
is a self guided event, with many studios
clustered within walking distance of each other.
“In the Driving Creek area alone there are
over a dozen,” says Matt. “Visitors find their
own way to the studios, in their own time,
sometimes finding inspiration where they least
expect it and end up spending hours at just
one place!” ( See listing on next page).
Maps & Guide assist your self guide tour
The Coromandel Artstour is a self guided open
studio event. Tickets are $5, and come with
a downloadable PDF map with a list of the
artists.
For more detailed information we recommend
the 2015 Creative Coromandel Guidewhich
we’re sure you’ll find yourself using as a
reference often (see below).
“The Guide costs only $20,” shares Matt. “and
if you buy one, your $5 tour fee is included. If
you are in a group we recommend at least one
of you have a copy.”
Uli Christoffersen
Thirty years ago, a passion for
ferns, especially the punga,
drew Uli to NZ. She soon fell in
love with Coromandel, where
she now lives and works. Her
garden, lush with plants and
dotted with sculpture, is open
to the public over the summer
months as well as during the
Artstour. Uli’s sculptures are
created in a variety of media.
THE CREATIVE COROMANDEL
GUIDE promotes the region as a
significant creative arts destination,
and visitors, locals, and holiday
home owners will find it an essential
reference manual.
This 120-page full color illustrated guide, published yearly, covers
Coromandel town and the West coast from Thames up to the northern
tip of the Peninsula containing detailed local artist profiles with images
of a selection of their works, easy-to-follow maps, and all the info
visitors need to find the studios. It also details the many places to eat,
dine, play and stay.
The $20 guide book and $5 tickets (included if you buy the guide) to
the Tour, are available at the Source, the Coromandel Info Centre, and
online at
Raewyn Penrose
is an internationally known
textile artist who recently
moved to Coromandel
Town. Luxurious Merino
Wool is the basis for her
one-off creations, with
a lighter, silk based
garment range for
Summer.
She is recognised
as a top mentor and
teacher in her field
and offers workshops,
classes and retreats
from her Tiki Road
Studio.
Tickets and the 120-page tour book are available
at The Source (Coromandel Artist Collective
Store at 32 Kapanga Rd) and the Coromandel
Info Centre, See
FREE $5 TOUR TICKET
WITH PURCHASE OF GUIDE
Barbara von Seida is a multi-
award winning artist who has
developed an expressionistic
style uniquely her own – from
brilliant floral watercolors to
almost brooding landscapes.
Visit Barbara in her cliffside
home studio and take in the
vista overlooking Long Bay.
Barbara is now artistic executor
of a collection of paintings
(four decades worth) by the
late Patrick Greene. Many
will be on display – a rare
opportunity to purchase work
by this legendary Coromandel
watercolour artist (see cover
and p7 for more).
Cindy Alger is a talented and
imaginative painter. Her quirky
little studio is nestled amongst
wild and rambling gardens and
she is always good fun to visit.
Cindy has a great sense of
humour and her paintings (with
heavy slant toward rabbits) are
whimsical while having strong
political and social messages.
Screenprinter Pete Sephton
shares a studio with potter
Caitlin Moloney on Driving
Creek Rd. It’s a lively little
place to visit during the tour
– Pete and Caitlin are always
entertaining visitors with
demonstrations and a lesson
here and there.