KOASTing to an art-filled weekend
Far North’s vibrant art scene is showcased this weekend with the long-awaited return of the Tai Tokerau Art Trail, known as KOAST.
Far North’s vibrant art scene is showcased this weekend with the long-awaited return of the Tai Tokerau Art Trail, known as KOAST.
The event, held over Labour weekend, gives local artists a platform to display and sell their work while visitors can watch the creative process and engage with the artists. Galleries will be open around the district, including at Mangōnui, Kerikeri, Rāwene, Russell, Kaikohe and Kohukohu.
KOAST launched in 2014, growing from 32 artists in its first year and more than 1000 visitors, to more than 70 artists and 3000 visitors in 2019. The event has been on hold since then due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Artworks range from oil, acrylic, watercolour and mixed media, sculpting, jewellery, ceramics, and weaving.
The event, from Friday 20 October to Monday 23 October, is free and will be marked with flags, signs and numbers, but a Trail Guide with a map is recommended. The guide, which costs $5 lists all the artists, their locations and which medium they use. It also includes a raffle ticket with a top prize of $3000. Find out how to buy a guide – either online or through local retailers - and all the event information at the KOAST website.
Photo: Far North art will be in the frame over Labour weekend.