Those interested in Pacific weaving and history will benefit from a cultural and historical lecture tomorrow.
Pacific collectors Shari and Don Cole will share a one-hour lecture at the Rotorua Museum about the general knowledge and history they gained from personal travel experience throughout the Western Pacific.
The Rotorua couple are passionateabout the Pacific Islands and have accumulated numerous pieces from their years of travel, which are on display at the Rotorua Museum of Art and History.
Rotorua Museum public programmes officer Ann Somerville said the idea for the lecture came about after the couple's 30-piece display in the latest Collectors in the Community instalment, and she was looking forward to an interesting lecture.
"The couple complement one another well, with Don's photography experience and Shari's knowledge in the Pacific weaving," she said.
"Those interested in gaining more Pacific knowledge should come along and attend," she said.
The Coles moved to American Samoa in 1966 from Oregon, US. They have photographed, written and produced nine books on some of the islands and two on adapting Polynesian craft techniques to quilt-making.
Shari said the pair would divide the presentation into sections of general knowledge on the Pacific lifestyle, and long-standing passion for the Pacific and it's people and history of the Pacific quilts.
"We won't be actively demonstrating how to make the crafts, but we will be most happy to share the techniques and experience that we have gained," she said. "We encourage everyone to come along and see the beautiful images we have to display, as well as meet like-minded people," she said.
The couple have lived in Rotorua for about 30 years and have travelled back and fourth throughout the Western Pacific for a number of years.
The free lecture will run from 5.30pm to 6.30pm at the Rotorua Museum tomorrow.
For more information contact Rotorua Museum of Art and History at (07) 350 1814 or email rotoruamuseum@rdc.govt.nz.
