For the second year, Toi MAHARA’s main gallery space will be a ‘blank canvas’ offering a range of unique art, music and community events from 13 June–28 June to celebrate the mid-winter month of June and Matariki.
“Having a large empty space is really exciting” says Kirsten Le Harivel, Communications and Public Programmes Manager at the gallery. “It allows us to offer events and activities beyond the scope of our existing space and without worrying about artworks getting damaged.”
Some of the highlights of the two-week programme include torchlight tours of exhibitions, live music with new Kāpiti ensemble Ossia and a talk on how to buy or invest in art.
Visitors can view current exhibitions on an intimate tour with Paekākāriki art critic and writer Mark Amery and then make art after dark. This event will be held alongside the new Light Up Waikanae night market to be held on 19 June.
An event of interest to contemporary art lovers will be The Brent Wong Fan Club.
Brent Wong was born in Ōtaki and is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most distinctive artists. Twelve paintings are in the exhibition, many of which have been rarely shown.
The event features live music and installations inspired by Brent Wong’s work alongside a conversation between Wellington art curator and writer Megan Dunn and Wong’s dealer James Blackie.
For anyone interested in buying their first artwork or building a collection, there is a talk with an art specialist, art dealer and curator which will demystify the world of art-buying and investing, as well as sharing some stories from inside the art world.
Live Art @ Toi MAHARA aims to bring new visitors to the gallery and raise funds to purchase portable gallery stools. These stools will allow visitors to carry seating when they are viewing exhibitions and attending events.
For more information or to book visit www.toimahara.nz/events/live-art-at-toi-mahara-2/