Now in it’s 9th year! ARTS in the VILLE is an annual festival and art trail held over Labour Weekend that celebrates the many local artists in the area. Come and take advantage of this great opportunity to view, discuss and purchase art pieces from a huge range of artists across many different venues. These include open studios which will be marked clearly with pink flags, and brochures can be found at studios and the Makers Market during the festival weekend.
From 10 – 4pm each day (Saturday, Sunday and Monday), Helensville will be buzzing with visitors taking advantage of the vibrant display of art. Join in and you’ll experience a variety of media from sculpture, embroidery, painting, pottery, ceramic, etchings, glasswork, millinery, repurposed mixed media and engineered creations, for both your indoor and outdoor spaces. In many cases you will have the opportunity to meet the artist in their studio, discuss pieces with them and sometimes see them at work. Most pieces will be for sale.
The Visual Treasure Hunt is a highlight of the long weekend, with a prize made and donated by well-respected, New Zealand sculptor Jeff Thomson, whose studio is located in the heart of Helensville. The prize this year will be a “floral bouquet” and the “clues” hidden around the town will be of a floral nature.
Chris Ellwood, the blacksmith will also be working in his mobile forge, showcasing age old tradition of smithing. ARTS in the VILLE definitely has something for everyone.
