Arts fest marks church centenary

One of Hamilton's most iconic buildings, the cathedral on top of the hill on Victoria St south, is celebrating its centenary this year with a series of special events. The first of these is a Centenary Arts Festival on November 21 and 22.

Visitors to the cathedral precinct will be offered a glimpse into the life of the cathedral with displays of the way the arts are incorporated in services. These will include floral arrangements in seasonal colours, embroideries and tapestries.

Visitors can add a stitch or two to a new Welcome banner to commemorate the centenary, an opportunity to be part of the next 100 years of cathedral history.

A display of handmade robes and vestments used by clergy from the early years to the present day will include a delicate 100-year-old chasuble.

Guides will be available to explain the furnishings and stained glass windows in the cathedral.

Art lovers will have the opportunity to admire and purchase art exhibited in the cathedral centre. Work by some of the Waikato's most well-known artists, including Ruth Davey, Joan Fear, Jane Whyte, Delys Lodge, Ann Carter-Jones and Gay Fraundorfer will be shown alongside textile art by Ann Jolly and Irene Robb, pottery by Wilma Jennings, photography by Wendy Paul, wood works by Neil Joynt and jewellery by Hannah Kapoor.

A mixed-media work donated by Jane Whyte will be offered by silent auction and early Christmas gift shoppers can browse the new range of festive stock available in the cathedral gift shop. The gardens around the cathedral will be looking their best and a stall in the courtyard will be loaded with plants for sale. Light refreshments will be on offer throughout the weekend from a team of volunteers.

The Centenary Arts Festival and exhibition runs November 21 from 9am-4pm and November 22 from 11am-3pm. Entry by koha.