New artists join She Shed Tour

Some of the new artists who will be part of this year’s She Shed Tour, from left, Steph Barnett, Sarah Aroha Talbot and Sarah Ferguson-Haley (end) with She Shed committee member and artist Margaret Hansen at Steph’s art studio. Picture by Liam Clayton

Six new artists will join the She Shed Tour this year extending the already wide offering of more than 30 artists who show their arts and crafts on the tour.

The first is Steph Barnett, a visual artist, animator and educator whose work orients around the female experience, growth and surf lifestyle.

“I love that the She Shed kaupapa gives people a unique insight into the creative spaces and work of female creatives, as well as supporting the amazing mahi of Hear4U,” she said.

Ute Seufert is another artist joining the She Shed Tour line-up this year. Ute creates delicate and special paintings of endangered native species on driftwood. There are moths, beetles, butterflies and frogs — each piece coming with a short description along with its botanical and common names.

This year’s She Shed Tour will feature the work of Sarah Ferguson-Haley who uses ice to dye natural fabrics, clothing and homewares.

Another artist to join this year is Linda Kerr of Tumbleweed Stained Glass who creates clever and jewel-like creations.

Sarah Aroha Talbot, The Forager will travel from Te Karaka to show her delicate jewellery work which she makes from items she finds on river banks, in the bush and gardens.

“Sold under the label Thirteen Moons ‘Of this Earth’ is a collection of contemporary textile pieces, homeware and personal adornments inspired by our native plants and kōhatu (stone),” Sarah explains.

“It is the direct result of me trying to get to know the whenua I now call home in the lovely community of Te Karaka and explores feelings of connection to place, belonging and natural cycles using gathered and grown media.”

Jackie Drury, a textile artist who works in macrame joins the artist line-up for the first time this year. This ancient craft began as a practical thing, making edges for rugs and even camel equipment. The knowledge of it travelled across continents until it became very popular in Europe, even being taught to the ladies in waiting of Queen Mary the second.

This year’s She Shed Tour will be a little different from previous years and will take place in art studios and gardens in Wainui and Okitu. A new venue has been added at Cate King’s place in Wainui.  Cate is a batik artist who uses the beeswax from their apiary business. She has been part of the She Shed Tour for the last few years but this is her first time as a host.

She Shed Tour committee members will be helping on the day and can be identified by their new crew T-shirts featuring the artwork of Holly Howman-Evans.

There will be food and coffee en route, from bagels to Mexican and an ice cream van.

People from out of town can purchase tickets by messaging the She Shed Facebook or Instragram pages.

This year all proceeds from ticket sales will go to men’s mental health charity Hear4U.