Palmerston North charcoal artist Naga Tsutsumi during his live drawing performance, part of the Art Trail Mix exhibition opening at Square Edge Arts Centre. Photo / Judith Lacy
Palmerston North charcoal artist Naga Tsutsumi during his live drawing performance, part of the Art Trail Mix exhibition opening at Square Edge Arts Centre. Photo / Judith Lacy
Live performances are a rare treat these Delta days and the opening of Art Trail Manawatū's exhibition was so non-virtual the Square Edge floorboards were vibrating.
Trail Mix is a showcase of works from each of the artists participating in Art Trail Manawatū on this weekend. More than 100 artistsin 18 locations from Foxton to Pohangina make up the trail. Some of the venues are artists' studios and others public spaces such as Caccia Birch House and Feilding and District Art Society.
Art Trail has three components – the exhibition that runs until October 28, the physical trail on October 16 and 17, and the online trail. Visitors can attend all or any of these events, which are free for both artists and the public.
Japan-born Naga Tsutsumi was inspired by live drawing performances in New York. On Friday, he was accompanied by drummers, a guitarist and mine artist David Ladderman (pictured). Photo / Judith Lacy
Accompanied by two members of the Kodama Japanese Drum Team and Kirsty Porter on electric guitar, Palmerston North charcoal artist Naga Tsutsumi did a live drawing performance at the exhibition opening. He was inspired by similar events in New York he had seen online.
As Tsutsumi's drawing developed, mime artist David Ladderman joined the performance.
The full drum team welcomed guests to the opening on Friday night.
Mayor Grant Smith told guests the trail signifies all the great things about community art in the region. He said he was amazed by the quality, depth and breadth of the works on display.
Councillor Rachel Bowen said she was delighted to see more artists taking part this year and new artists being added to the programme. The exhibition was an opportunity to see examples of contributing works.
