Artists urge shoppers to buy locally this Christmas

BUY LOCAL: Frances Stachl and Emma Camden are encouraging people to buy local this Christmas. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO.

A group of Wanganui artists is encouraging Christmas shoppers to buy local this year.

Jeweller Frances Stachl, Emma Camden from Tree, Frances Sim-Higgins from Left Bank Art Supplies and Katie Brown and Lyndsay Patterson from Chronicle Glass will all be opening this Sunday for those wanting to do some last-minute Christmas shopping.

Although they're not officially part of the River City Christmas Market - running from 2 to 5pm on Sunday - they're an arts and craft "add-on" to the market.

"We're providing a little bit extra to the market," Ms Stachl said.

All four businesses operate on or around Taupo Quay. Ms Stachl offers her quirky hand-made jewellery from her riverside workshop on Moutoa Quay, where visitors can make a purchase or watch Ms Stachl work.

Next door to Ms Stachl, Ms Camden has recently opened Tree, a shop that offers mainly ceramic work from local and national ceramicists.

On Taupo Quay, Ms Sim-Higgins offers all kinds of arts supplies from Left Bank Arts Supplies, while around the corner in Rutland St, Chronicle Glass has an international reputation in glass work.

Ms Camden said she was delighted to see a "critical mass" of flourishing arts and crafts businesses near the river.

"We have some really good craftspeople in this town."

Another great present for budding artists is an art class.

Left Bank does classes in water colours, oils, acrylics, and collage, email leftbankartsupplies@gmail.com for more details.

Frances Stachl does casting workshops, and her next ones will be from January 10 to 11 and January 24 to 25. Cost is $280 per person, contact fstachl@hotmail.com.

Chronicle Glass runs introductions to glass-blowing courses. Cost is $390 per person which includes all tools and materials. ¦Go to its website for more details: www.chronicleglass.co.nz.