A new work by Miriama Grace Smith on the Southern approach to Kāpiti near Paekākāriki Photo: supplied
The popular Kāpiti Arts Trail is on over the first two weekends of November, boasting over 300 artists opening up their studios and shared spaces, or exhibiting in 13 galleries from Ōtaki to Paekākāriki. Since 2001 the programme has helped put Kāpiti on the map.
Janet Holborow Photo: supplied
A keen supporter is the district’s mayor Janet Holborow, who joins us for this week's Regional Wrap.
Holborow is known for her own arts practice and management of arts events. Based in Paekākāriki, she is a cellist, playing with local groups The Crimson Club and Tu Tilley, and a year ago cut the ribbon on the opening of the redeveloped district gallery Toi Mahara in Waikanae, where she once served on the trust board.
These days the coast also boasts some other key arts facilities, like performing arts centre Te Raukura ki Kāpiti in Raumati and Māoriland in Ōtaki. Holborrow also notes the recent opening of a cultural heritage site in the region - the restored beehive kilns of the late potter Mirek Smisek in Te Horo.
Holborow was thrilled recently to see local artist Rebecca Bond pick up a prize at the World of Wearable Arts. Bond is the organiser of Kapiti Art Studio - working with people with disabilities. They share space in Raumati near Te Raukura with Te Ara Korowai and the Shed Project.
The new Toi Mahara Gallery in Waikanae Photo: supplied
Naturally, Janet shouts out to some of her fellow musicians in the district who support others including Jess Deacon of online Kāpiti music guide Mostly Music, teacher and music store owner AJ Crawshaw and Andrew London.
The district has a new welcome at its southern approach with a mural by Miriama Grace-Smith at Paekākāriki. Janet Holborow highlights her work and that of fellow muralist Theo Arraj on this week’s Regional Wrap.
Te Raukura performing arts centre, Raumati Photo: supplied
