Third Heart Art to showcase local artists
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The third year of Heart Art events opens again with a Totally Local Market at Pohara Hall on Sunday 25 January, starting at 2pm with entertainment by musicians John Hore-Grenell and the Gypsy Pickers. Only local artisans and their products will be present at this fair.
The following day another Sculpture Symposium kicks off at Milnthorpe Park, where around a dozen artists in residence will create sculptures over a five-day period. This year they can bring in materials of their choosing, but with strong consideration of their physical and visual impact on the Milnthorpe environment.
Charleston artist Graeme Clement, who recently returned from a four-week residency at a Korean Sculpture Symposium for human rights and world peace, will offer workshops for the artists during the event. The public are invited to take in the work-in-progress, but the best viewing will undoubtedly be on the weekend immediately following (Jan 31/Feb 1), when "A Way with the Fairies" celebrates the finished works with two days of free sculpture workshops, treasure hunts, acoustic musicians, magical mystical monsters, food and drink stalls, all in the park. The symposium is again free this year, but reduced funding means the artists, who had meals provided in the past, will have to turn up with five days' food if they want to camp out.
Grant Knowles conceived Heart Art not only as an opportunity for local artists to showcase their works, thereby increasing employment opportunities, but also to inspire visitors. Its timing at the end of the holidays is an effort to extend the tourist season and generate extra revenue for local artists.
"I want it to become a multi-venue/event festival, with lots of cool stuff happening in lots of places. Hopefully next year, for instance, there will be music every lunchtime in Collingwood."
At present Grant manages the whole event largely by himself. However, as Heart Art continues to grow, he acknowledges he will need some more volunteer help. "A team of helpful WWOOFers can only do so much!"
Other events he is pleased to now include under the Heart Art "umbrella" is the HANDS Market on the Village Green (Feb 6), and Music on the Green at lunchtimes (Feb 3-6), which will include Lola Stoodley, Tina Bridgman, the Elastic Band, Grio, Ederlezi, and Zing, Golden Bay's world music choir. Other events supported include evening gigs at Pohara Sands, mosaic and mural workshops, and Fairy Play, a workshop for children of all ages at Onekaka Hall. All materials are supplied for fairy costume making; just bring fun, laughter, magic, parents and fruit for the fairy picnic.
Those interested in attending the Sculpture Symposium can contact Grant or Clair at 525 7974. Gerard Hindmarsh
