Rachael Johnson with some of her innovative nests and other works. Photo/Bevan Conley
Rachael Johnson with some of her innovative nests and other works. Photo/Bevan Conley
Rachael Johnson had some knowledge of Open Studios last year but in 2017 she has gone for the total immersion experience.
Together with Jo Old, she has opened up their gallery to the arts trail that makes its way out of Whanganui through Brunswick to South Taranaki, with four stopsin Waverley and one in Patea.
Rachael, who makes baskets and nests from foraged and recycled materials and objects, helped out another Waverley artist last year.
"I worked on the 100 Days project and helped Lisa [Walsh] with the chair project. I knew a bit about what to expect."
She said business after the first weekend was solid.
"I'm very happy." She sold "at least" a dozen pieces.
Rachael weaves and stitches the baskets and nests from fibres including feathers and found bits and pieces.
Jo combines wood, paint, gold leaf and carving to make works inspired by Pasifika patterns. They are No72 in the catalogue, and at 47 Weraroa Rd in Waverley. Rachael said the feedback from visitors to the space had been valuable.
"We've had some lovely comments. It's always a great feeling to engage.
Rachael Johnson uses foraged material for her pieces. Photo/Bevan Conley
"And people here can pick these pieces. They are very tactile and promote a lot of conversation."
She said gardeners could relate to the various works and embroiderers and quilters asked about the stitching.
Joining the arts trail this year has required considerable preparation and work. "I took it to heart. It was a concerted effort," said Rachael.
They are looking forward to the end weekend, which traditionally brings more people to the western end of the trail.
"We'll have a coffee cart this time and places to sit outside. It will be a little bot more of a hub."
And she said she would be back next year.
Jenni Corbett has joined the arts trail that is Open Studios. Photo/Bevan Conley
It's an experiment that's been quite an experience for painter Jenni Corbett of Patea. Open Studios virgin Jenni has set up a gallery in her home to showcase her paintings which include watercolours, pastels and oils but with a preference for acrylics.
Her favourite subjects are wildlife and nature but she paints "anything from people to horses".
Jenni is from Taranaki but had been living in Australia for some time before moving to Patea 15 months ago. She has been painting for three years.
Jenni said after one weekend down and one to go she was not sure if she would participate again. It would be helpful if there were more artists in Patea participating, she said. "It's been a big learning curve. "It's the first time I've done it and it's tiring. We're at the end of the trail. We've had reasonable numbers through and good feedback." Jenni said she sold three paintings and that made it worth it. Artists pay $200 to be in Open Studios.
Jenni said one of the reasons for being part of the event was to focus on building relationships within the community and get a direct response from people. "I've learned a lot from people coming here and talking. There is a preference for the more realistic work rather than the abstract. That's very interesting to know and will be the way I go."
Jenni's Play Art is at 7 Hadfield St, Patea. She's No75 in the catalogue. Open Studios runs all this week with workshops and talks, and open galleries and studios on Saturday and Sunday. All events, maps and details can be found at openstudios.co.nz.
