International tutors bound for Whanganui pop-up fibre arts symposium

The 2017 pop-up fibre art exhibition at Whanganui Girls College was well attended. Photo/Stuart Munro.

Each year Whanganui hosts a fibre arts symposium that attracts tutors and artists from around the world.

Fibre Arts New Zealand runs the five-day residential event that provides participants with the opportunity to work with both New Zealand and overseas artists and craftspeople who are experts in their fields.

Whanganui artist Julz Coffey has been a main driver and organiser since 2010 and she has now handed the reins to Wellington-based artist Fiona McCrae.

"We have some fantastic tutors and lots of participants booked," says McCrae.

"Participants select one workshop and work with that tutor for the duration of the event.

"The workshops are designed to push the participants to think about their creative practice."

At the end of the week the participants have a pop-up exhibition of their work that is open to the public.

Participants stay at Whanganui Girls College hostel where McCrae said they are always well fed and cared for and the exhibition is also held at the school.

The 2018 event will run from April 22 to April 28 this year and there is still opportunity for Whanganui people to attend some of the workshops.

Visit fibreartsnz.co.nz to find out more.