Latest Opportunities & News

www.facebook.com/CraftAotearoa

Embroidery on wood, owl sculptures made of wood shavings, enormous knitting and textile installations, lace balloons, anatomical jewellery, and short video tutorials are just some of what you are likely to see on the Craft Aotearoa Facebook page. Every day we post a range of national and international craft news items. There are lots of opportunities we would otherwise not know if it wasn't for Facebook and we have made lots of connections this way. Thanks to our 823 followers for sharing content too. Here is a snapshot of what is on the page at the moment. 

CHRISTCHURCH CRAFT NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES

Life in Vacant Spaces is on the lookout for entrepreneurial projects. If you are a designer or craftsperson who has always wanted to give it go with your own shop, get in touch with them asap.

The Silversmiths Guild of Canterbury is up and running again at The Tannery Boutique Retail and Arts Emporium. Having relocated twice already since losing their home at The Arts Centre following the earthquakes, they are pleased to call the Tannery their new home and welcome students for Level 1 and 2 courses on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and Thursday mornings. Since 1983, over 1,000 students have learnt silversmithing skills with the Silversmiths Guild of Canterbury. Watch this short video to hear Arthur Harrison, Chairperson, speak about their new premises. 

CALLING NEW ZEALAND CERAMICISTS

The Australian Ceramics Association seeks photos of New Zealanders work for consideration in their upcoming issue of The Jac and inclusion on their Facebook page too. Those already showcased include Darryl Frost, Nadine Spalter (whose work is currently on show at Form Gallery, Christchurch), Suzy Dünser, Helen Perrett, Roy Burgoyne, and Sue Lavender. 

Also, submissions for the Masterworks Domesticware competition close Thursday 28th February. 

CALLING NEW ZEALAND JEWELLERS

Would you like your work to be exhibited at Auckland's Lopdell House Gallery's curiosity cabinet? Applications from emerging and established jewellers are currently being sought. Lopdell House Gallery is currently operating from off-site premises in New Lynn and is continuing to deliver an exciting arts programme with monthly window installations, the Curiosity Cabinet exhibitions and a gallery shop.The Curiosity Cabinet exhibitions will be monthly throughout 2013 and will be promoted within the gallery’s marketing material. Please contact to Kirsty MacDonald for further details on  kirsty@lopdell.org.nz

Applications are also being sought by Masterworks Gallery for 'Neckware 10' - a group jewellery show from 5 - 29 June 2013. The aim of this annual exhibition is to 'showcase excellence and innovation in this particular form of adornment within contemporary jewellery.' Open to graduates, emerging and established jewellers, you will need to select one piece of work produced in the past 12 months and post it to Masterworks for consideration, along with an artist statement, by 1st May. For further information, contact Director, Eloise Kitson.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO OWN YOUR OWN CONTEMPORARY CRAFT GALLERY?  

The Koru Gallery specialises in jewellery, art, homeware and gifts from around New Zealand, has an onsite jade carver (Graeme Wylie) and is currently for sale. There is a full shopping website that is included in the price that has yet to be launched and also an opportunity for investment into making the space into a cafe/bar with a workshop space at the rear of the building no longer in use. 

2013 CRAFT/OBJECT ART FELLOWSHIP: CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

This fellowship is open to established and senior New Zealand practitioners. It's open to practitioners, curators and writers working in both traditional applied arts and contemporary practice. Genres may include ceramics, jewellery, glass, textile, metal and wood work and studio-based design.The amount/offer for this funding opportunity is$65,000. The next round closes: 8 March, 2013.

The Fellowship will be awarded to an established or senior craft/object practitioner, curator or writer. It provides the time and/or resources for the Fellow to commit to a period of deep investigation, experimentation or research in their practice. The Fellowship was offered annually for its first three years (2004 – 2006) and is now offered biennially. For more information contact Kate Montgomery (Senior Arts Advisor - Visual Arts) at Creative New Zealand via email: kate.montgomery@creativenz.govt.nz

LOOKING TO FUND YOUR CRAFT PROJECT?

Applications for the Creative New Zealand Arts Grant close on 1st March.

EXCITING CRAFT EXHIBITIONS ACROSS NEW ZEALAND

Avid Gallery, Wellington: beautiful work by Masahiro Sasaki
Artspost Galleries & Shop, Hamilton:  new ceramic bowls by Mia Hamilton
Black Asterisk, Auckland: Figurative sculptures by Chris Moore
Fingers Jewellery, Auckland: new rings by Karl Fritsch.
Form Gallery, Christchurch: new ceramic work by Aaron Scythe and Nadine Spalter
Gallery 33, Wanaka: new 'Fragments' work by jeweller Elfi Spiewack
Masterworks Gallery Jewellery Box, Auckland: new work by jeweller Eileen Leahy
Objectspace, Auckland: annual 'Best in Show' exhibition.
Piece Gallery, Matakana: 'The Vase Show' opening March 1st featuring glass and ceramics.
The National, Christchurch: 'Year of the Snake' group exhibition featuring top New Zealand jewellers.

 INTERNATIONAL CRAFT NEWS
Somerset House, London: next month, Wool House will present a vision for wool as a modern, versatile, lifestyle fibre and it will feature a showcase of interiors, fashion and the world of artisan and craft making, along with a hi-tech educational suite. 

Each year, the Coal Prize Art and Environment rewards  a project by a contemporary artist involved in environmental issues. The 2013 Coal Prize will reward entries that focus on ADAPTATION issues. Adaptation: This word is at the heart of contemporary thought and strategies used by nations, cities, businesses, and communities in order to cope with climate change. It is the subject of a movement, of appropriation, of adaptation by artistic creation. 

Would you like to learn a craft skill?

Welcome to 2013, a year where Craft Aotearoa will focus its activities on highlighting the range and complexity of craft skills needed to make craft objects, whether of traditional, functional, or contemporary design. We especially want to highlight the range of informal and formal learning opportunities available in New Zealand and invite you to share details of any upcoming workshops, courses, and classes with us via email (jenna-lea.philpott@craftaotearoa.org.nz) and/or direct to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CraftAotearoa
Below are details of current and upcoming glass, printmaking, pottery and jewellery workshops but first, a reminder for those interested in teaching a craft workshop at HANDMADE 2013.

TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES

HANDMADE 2013 will be returning to Wellington on 1 & 2 June 2013 and online submissions are now being taken for class suggestions. If you would like to teach your craftsmanship skills in a workshop format then contact the organisers.  Applications close on Wednesday 23rd January. HANDMADE 2013 is a festival celebrating beautiful and creative things made by hand.It is the place for people who want to learn the skills and crafts of previous generations but in today's context, using modern technology and style. The 2013 programme will feature a huge range of activities across a variety of craft disciplines. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from expert and passionate teachers in a workshop environment and to make a beautiful, finished object with their own hands. In addition, throught the weekend there will be Masterclass demonstrations available.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

January has already seen a number of craft workshops launched in various regions. 

The Wanganui School of Glass launched two different five day glass workshops taught by Gary Nash and Kathryn Wightman.

And in patnership with the New Zealand Print Council, a five day printmaking workshop was also taught this summer.

If you would like to find out about any other workshop opportunities or go on the mailing list directly then register your interest with the Wanganui Glass School at www.wanganuiglassschool.com








Hamilton has also had a creative start to the year with the launch of the [Get] CREATIVE: Art, Design and Tech Workshops. Described as 'a new project where we throw a whole heap of fun workshops together to give you something fun and creative to do with your summer' there programme included a range of craft workshops on offer such as Stencil making and Screenprinting taught by Holly Russell, Beyond Crochet taught by Alison Gray (using non-traditional fibres to experiment with basic crochet to create sculptural forms) and Exploring Glass Casting taught by Di Tocker where participants will explore clay as a modelling material for glass casting. http://getcreative2013.co.nz/




Coming up are workshops in printmaking, jewellery, woodmaking and the business of art.

Nga Rakau a Tu by Alexis Neal.

New Zealand Printmakers have announced that Artsight are offering a Multi-Layered Print Workshop (relief, intaglio and monoprint) on 26-27 January, 10am-4pm at Artsight's Auckland Studio (5a Flower St, Eden Terrace). It will be taught by Alexis Neal and is limited to 10 places at a cost $295 each.This two day workshop is designed to develop new technical skills in the medium of print
from a traditional understanding to a contemporary art practice. It is an opportunity for students to work through a number of ideas and conceptual frame works to create their own artist language within this medium. Students will explore multi layered printing from relief surfaces and dry point using plexi plate, stencil cutting and other techniques to enhance their work.The studio day will be broken down by demonstrations in the morning to print preparation and followed by good experimentation working towards a good understanding of the print processes and to achieve a strong body of prints.

Another workshop, The Business of Art, will take place on 2-3 February at the same venue. Sandy Rodgers will teach the basic business skills necessary for a person to continue on to the next step of creating or growing their income through their art practice. The purpose is to get artists using their creative skills and know how to see and understand business practice in a simple, professional and positive way. The workshop is aimed at a range of people from art school graduates, emerging artists, crafts people, hobby painters and more! The workshop will cover goal setting, networking and relationships, research, marketing and promotion, project and action planning, money matters, funding, sponsorship and presentation. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the business side of the art world.

For more information and to register your interest see Artsight's website: www.artsight.co.nz/artist-workshops-auckland.html


Jewellery courses tend to me more frequent with privately run courses available throughout the year. Here are a couple of examples in Wellington.

Vilders Contemporary Jewellery Gallery regularly offer six week jewellery courses (morning and evening) and occasional single day classes. Students learn to make a variety of items including rings, brooches, earrings, and pendants - a great opportunity to make your own wedding rings. All students start with making a simple silver ring. Six week courses cost $270, and materials are supplied during the course at reasonable prices. Contact Dorthe Kristensen for further information.

Workspace Studios Ltd offer a wide range of jewellery classes across all levels and have a handy online calendar showing their regular classes on Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For example, coming up on 11 February is the next Beginners Silver Jewellery Class taught by Amelia Pascoe. Each class is three hours and runs on Monday evenings for eight weeks. The total cost of eight classes is $360. In this course, beginners will produce a sterling silver ring set with the stone of their choice. Skills learnt include soldering, filing, sanding, texturing, hammering and stone setting techniques as well as proper tool use and care, health and safety and basic design principles. Advanced jewellery classes cover additional techniques including chainmaking and riveting and participants will have the opportunity to develop their own projects and shown how to experiment with new techniques.

Workspace Studios also offers couples wedding ring making, after school classes, weekend workshops, and bench hire. Further information is available at workspacestudios@gmail.com 

The Centre for Fine Woodworking in Nelson has established itself as New Zealand's pre-eminent destination for learning about all things wood.  There are a range of short courses available in 2013 such as the Beginner's Cabinet Making 1, 2 and 3 courses as well as Acoustic Guitar and Electric Guitar making courses. 

Establishing a solid skill base for all aspiring woodworkers and provide the foundation skills for fine woodworking are the aims of these short courses. Skills taught include the tuning and sharpening of basic hand-tools and the basics of accurate timber preparation, setting out and cutting a number of basic woodworking joints and assembly. 

Further information about all upcoming courses is available at www.cfw.co.nz

Upcoming Event

Via Craft Aotearoa's Facebook page, we have become aware of the upcoming Festival of Pots & Garden Art. From 12 - 20 January  this Otaki Pottery Club Fundraiser will take place at the Trinity Farm Rose Garden, 202 Waitohu Valley Road , Otaki. 
  
Clay artist Michelle Retimana says "I will be supporting my Pottery Club in this festival with my garden sculptures, and my husband may also display his very large wood, glass and recycled metal sculptures - these are fabulous garden features standing 2-3 metres tall. The beautiful Rose gardens are the perfect setting to display the wonderful assortment of pottery and Garden Art submitted by not only the Otaki Pottery Club members but also other artists. The 'barn' is a great 'gallery space' to display finer sculptures and domestic ware. There will also be continuous demonstrations throughout the day."

More information at www.kapitipots.co.nz


Craft Aotearoa hopes this blog will reach those interested in learning a craft skill, perhaps for the first time, as well as those wishing to extend their knowedge and skills. And if you would like to share your learning experience please feel free to post a comment or get in touch with us!