Raglan Arts Weekend

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The 16th Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW) hits Whaingaroa this weekend.

It is the biggest RAW event ever with 48 participating studios showcasing over 70 artists
Lots of fun in town with live installations, two handed live painting, demos e.g hat making, huge robots creating sculptures out of plastic waste and many open studios in the super cool seaside town
RAW partner Raglan Country and Blues Music Festival also on, with The Warratahs headlining as well as a Youth Concert
This is becoming one of the Waikato's most popular art events and the standard is always very high
Nicky Brzeska, RAW's Coordinator, happy to conduct interviews or arrange any with artists
0204 136 2027

Raglan making waves with 16th Raglan Arts Weekend this Labour Weekend

It’s time to ditch the gardening this Labour Weekend and head out to the popular seaside town of Raglan for its 16th Annual Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW), poised to be the biggest on record yet. 48 studios will be opening their doors showcasing over 70 artists from the Whaingaroa area, widely known for its high standard of art.

Visitors will be spoilt for choice this year with live painting, installations, demos and inspiring talks in addition to the traditional open studio art trail. “There will be plastic waste turned into sculpture by robots, live two-handed painting in Volcom Lane, a UV art musical showcase, hat making, Intaglio printmaking and so much more,” says Nicky Brzeska, RAW’s Coordinator.

Other media include painting, Japanese Gyotaku fish printing, 3D printing, stone sculpture, textiles, photography, designer jewellery, graffiti art, glass art, bespoke furniture, mosaics, illustration, and so much more.

It really is an event for everyone, traditionally drawing art collectors from bigger cities all over New Zealand, to families who find plenty to keep themselves entertained.

Visitors enjoy seeing The Hatch - Raglan’s incubator for emerging art talent - at the Town Hall, showcasing 17 of the hottest upcoming superstars Raglan has to offer. RAW’s partner, the Raglan Country and Blues Music Festival, will also be over the weekend, with The Warratahs as the main headliner, and even a Youth Concert to entertain all.

“It’s a bit like a choose-your-own-adventure where you grab a trail map and get to explore the quaint town and its surrounding areas, and see these epic spaces all over Raglan come alive,” says Nicky Brzeska, RAW’s Coordinator.

It’s been a landmark year for Raglan with hosting the World Surf League (WSL) event and the town has been selected again to host the event in 2027. RAW has given a subtle nod to its surfing prowess and this milestone event with its chosen lead artwork by RAW graffiti artist Shortydubs, entitled ‘Bored Rider’. “We’re super proud to feature this Raglan artist who seems to be making waves himself and moving from strength to strength,” Nicky says.

RAW runs this Labour Weekend with studios open 10am to 5pm, 24 to 26 October. Visitors can head to the Preview Exhibition at the Raglan Arts Centre at 5 Stewart Street to pick up a brochure and map, choose a route, and see nearly 100 artworks from participating RAW artists. A Bayleys Scan and Win competition at each studio offers the chance to win a $500 Prezzy card too.

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	T The 16th Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW) hits Whaingaroa this weekend. It is the biggest RAW event ever with 48 participating studios showcasing over 70 artists Lots of fun in town with live installations, two handed live painting, demos e.g hat making, huge robots creating sculptures out of plastic waste and many open studios in the super cool seaside town RAW partner Raglan Country and Blues Music Festival also on, with The Warratahs headlining as well as a Youth Concert This is becoming one of the Waikato's most popular art events and the standard is always very high Nicky Brzeska, RAW's Coordinator, happy to conduct interviews or arrange any with artists 0204 136 2027 Raglan making waves with 16th Raglan Arts Weekend this Labour Weekend It’s time to ditch the gardening this Labour Weekend and head out to the popular seaside town of Raglan for its 16th Annual Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW), poised to be the biggest on record yet. 48 studios will be opening their doors showcasing over 70 artists from the Whaingaroa area, widely known for its high standard of art. Visitors will be spoilt for choice this year with live painting, installations, demos and inspiring talks in addition to the traditional open studio art trail. “There will be plastic waste turned into sculpture by robots, live two-handed painting in Volcom Lane, a UV art musical showcase, hat making, Intaglio printmaking and so much more,” says Nicky Brzeska, RAW’s Coordinator. Other media include painting, Japanese Gyotaku fish printing, 3D printing, stone sculpture, textiles, photography, designer jewellery, graffiti art, glass art, bespoke furniture, mosaics, illustration, and so much more. It really is an event for everyone, traditionally drawing art collectors from bigger cities all over New Zealand, to families who find plenty to keep themselves entertained. Visitors enjoy seeing The Hatch - Raglan’s incubator for emerging art talent - at the Town Hall, showcasing 17 of the hottest upcoming superstars Raglan has to offer. RAW’s partner, the Raglan Country and Blues Music Festival, will also be over the weekend, with The Warratahs as the main headliner, and even a Youth Concert to entertain all. “It’s a bit like a choose-your-own-adventure where you grab a trail map and get to explore the quaint town and its surrounding areas, and see these epic spaces all over Raglan come alive,” says Nicky Brzeska, RAW’s Coordinator. It’s been a landmark year for Raglan with hosting the World Surf League (WSL) event and the town has been selected again to host the event in 2027. RAW has given a subtle nod to its surfing prowess and this milestone event with its chosen lead artwork by RAW graffiti artist Shortydubs, entitled ‘Bored Rider’. “We’re super proud to feature this Raglan artist who seems to be making waves himself and moving from strength to strength,” Nicky says. RAW runs this Labour Weekend with studios open 10am to 5pm, 24 to 26 October. Visitors can head to the Preview Exhibition at the Raglan Arts Centre at 5 Stewart Street to pick up a brochure and map, choose a route, and see nearly 100 artworks from participating RAW artists. A Bayleys Scan and Win competition at each studio offers the chance to win a $500 Prezzy card too. www.raglanartsweekend.nz