SEPTEMBER 18 is the start of the inaugural Wanganui Glass Week. During this time people will see hard evidence of what few realise ? Wanganui has more glass artists per capita than any other city in New Zealand. For some time many have described the city as New Zealand's glass capital,and the week will see a stunning array of easily visible work. It will be on view throughout Victoria Ave's Mainstreet businesses as well as in studios and at the Sarjeant Gallery. "We have almost 50 working glass artists and the number is expected to increase," Ngapine Te Ao, Wanganui Inc's glass development project manager, said. "People when they come to town for business or to shop usually don't have the time to visit a gallery, so by having displays in Mainstreet we are taking the artists' work to them." The public also will be able to visit the studios of Chronicle Glass in Rutland St, and the David Traub/Sarah Courtney Glass Factory in Kings Ave. On September 23 the public will see glass being rolled at Chronicle Glass. Also Carmen Simmonds Studio in St Hill St (behind the RSA) will be open that day as will as the Whanganui Ucol's glass department. Student work will be on sale. Exhibitions include one by Whanganui Ucol glass students in Victoria Ave, and the Sarjeant Gallery will have pieces by some of the prestigious Australian Ranamok Prize finalists. Glass work can be viewed now and on an going basis at The Villa Gallery, 139 Glasgow St. The week has been initiated by Wanganui glass artists and organised by Wanganui Inc, a Wanganui District Council controlled organisation. A prize of a red hand-blown glass bowl, valued at over $250 made by Chronicle Glass, is being used to highlight the week. To go into the draw for this people need to send an email with the subject line glass to glass@wanganui.com. For terms and conditions see the websites www.wanganui.com and www.wanganuiinc.com PICTURED: Ngapine Te Ao, Wanganui Inc's glass development project manager, with the hand-blown glass bowl, the winner of which will be drawn during Wanganui Glass Week next week.
