Exhibition kicks off Open Studios

Sarah Williams at the Starting Point exhibition with a work by Philip Stokes. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

The biggest event on Whanganui's arts calendar begins on Friday evening.

The launch of the Starting Point exhibition at the Community Arts Centre marked the official opening of the 2017 Artists Open Studios Whanganui.

Now in its 17th year, Open Studios is an annual event in which local artists open their studios to the public.

Starting Point, which is made up of one work from nearly all the 77 participating studios, is the heart of Open Studios.

"It's always a dynamic exhibition because you really get a feel for what you'll see in the studios," said Open Studios coordinator Sarah Williams.

"This year we have quite a few newbies, which is really exciting. It's good to see the growth of the event."

The exhibition contains a wide variety of mediums, from paintings to jewellery, sculpture to print-making - and even tarot cards. The geographic range takes in Whanganui, Marton, South Taranaki as far north as Patea, and Mangaweka.

Miss Williams said while Open Studios has traditionally taken place over two weekends, this year there are events planned for during the week, such as artist talks and art workshops.

"It will be interesting to see how the week day events go, because this is a new thing for us. Open Studios is a really big deal for the artists and this is another way that people can support them."

Visitors can also get a guided tour of the studios through Take It Easy tours - bookings can be made at the i-Site.

Open Studios runs over the next two weekends. Starting Point is open at the Community Arts Centre, 19 Taupo Quay, for the duration of Open Studios.

For the full list of studios visit the Open Studios website.