Mercury Bay Art Escape 2023 - popular and highly successful

By Jane Parson

Art escape is over for another year and despite routes into the Coromandel being longer and even more scenic now, it was another highly successful event. The sun shone for the two weekends and the Art Escape Gala Night at Hot Waves Cafe in Hot Water Beach, proved a great kick off. Over 150 people including artists and sponsors enjoyed listening to the charming guest speaker, gardening personality, Lynda Hallinan. Lynda cleverly wove plants and art by describing how botanical art had helped to save rare New Zealand flora by being the only impressions of some varieties thought extinct. A chosen piece by each of the 41 talented and diverse artists is on display at Hot Waves until Tuesday, 11 April. Check out jewellery, ceramics, wood craft, prints and other art media at Hot Waves Café before Easter Monday. The exhibition was curated by Annie Wilson of the Miranda Farm Gallery.

The popular ‘Artists in Residence’ sessions were held at Hot Waves Café in-between weekends which gave the opportunity to view closely and chat to artists at work. Weekend visitors to the artists’ Open Studios remained healthy with many artists having over 100 daily visitors. Noticeable this year was the number of locals who experienced the Open Studios and this support was appreciated.

The event owes much to our committed local sponsors who deserve your support: Bayleys; Guthrie Bowron, Whitanga; Lea Jurkovich of Bayleys Whitianga; Whitianga Waterways; Lifestyle Centre, Whitianga; The Pour House, Hahei ; Top 10, Hot Water Beach; The Lawnmowers Son, Hahei; The Lost Spring, Whitianga, The Mercury Bay Informer.

As well, many local supporters donated gifts and time to supporting the Art Escape: Hot Waves Café; Kaizen Go Vino, Cooks Beach; Coastal Signs, Whitianga; Angie LC Photography; Lion Company; Annie Wilson, Miranda Farm Gallery; Hotties, Hot Water Beach; Stellariz; CFM; Di Tocker, Cambridge; Tim Aldrich, Tairua.

We look forward to an even better and bigger Art Escape next year showcasing the unique talent of the Eastern Coromandel. Or if you can’t wait that long visit members studios by appointment during the year.

Inquiries to Marion Manson, MBAE Trustee Email: admin@mercurybayartescape.com

Phone: 021 116 1459.

Caption: Margherita Giampietri and Jennifer Panther.