Kokomai festival has something for everyone

CLAY FOR KIDS: Masterton sculptor and potter, Sam Ludden.

Bookings are flooding in for more than 30 creative workshops covering everything from mozzarella making to pottery making for kids.

As part of the first Kokomai creative festival, workshops are being held in the lead-up to the festival.

Jenny Gasson, Kokomai's marketing manager, said bookings need to be in quick as registrations close on October 1.

"We've already had one sell out and several more are getting pretty close, don't miss out."

A week-long printmaking workshop led by international artist Sam Broad at King St Artworks has sold out.

Ian Chapman, King St Artworks co-ordinator said Kokomai has something for everyone.

"The festival will bring a new depth to the local art scene and bring together a community of like-minded, passionate artists."

There will also be an exhibition of King St Artworks' founding organisation Vincents of Wellington at the studio's gallery.

Clogging, an American dance originating in the Appalachian mountains, is one of the more unusual workshops on offer.

The festival officially kicks off on October 18 with a weekend of jazz presented by Jazz in Martinborough.

Geoff Culverwell, one of New Zealand's premier horn players, will play in Martinborough with a band, and performer/pianist Jan Preston will perform two shows. Popular La Petite Manouche will also be part of the jazz line-up.

Some of the workshops don't require bookings such as the free mask-making workshop with artist Tina-Rae Carter.

For a full list: www.kokomai.co.nz/programme/12.