Kāpiti Coast Arts Trail showcases diversity of talent on our doorstep
Over the past two weekends, Kāpiti artists put on a show of colour and creativity as they opened their doors to art lovers, keen for a behind the scenes glimpse at their studios, hubs and galleries.
Kāpiti Coast District Council Libraries and Arts Manager Kat Cuttriss says the Kāpiti Arts Trail weekends appeared to be as popular as ever with locals and visitors to the district.
“This is the seventeenth year of the Trail and it was fantastic to see locals and visitors from afar getting out and about to explore the talent we have right here on our doorstep, as well as enjoy the weather and everything else Kāpiti has to offer.”
“Nearly 100 artists opened their doors to share their work, creativity and give people insight into the magic behind their creative process. We have an amazing group of artists who just love sharing what they do and we want to thank them for all the effort they put in to this year’s experience.”
Rachel Pfeffer of Totaranui Glass Studio in Ōtaki is full of praise for what she thinks is a now must-do event for art lovers.
“People love the Arts Trail because it’s done on such a grand scale and it’s one-of-a-kind. I saw a lot of visitors from Wellington over the two weekends and it really is something visitors and locals lock into their diaries and look forward to. I think the chance to come into studios to see where artists work and what makes them tick is what really gives our Trail its edge. It’s once again exceeded my expectations and I even had to burn the midnight oil after the first weekend so I could restock. It’s just a marvellous event.”
Ms Cuttriss encourages everyone who experienced the Trail to keep using the Arts Trail Guide to explore arts on the Kāpiti Coast. “The Arts Trail Guide has been designed to live on all year round, so if you missed out on checking out a certain artist or exploring a gallery, touch base with the artist – all of their details have been pulled together in one guide to make things easier for you.”
Ms Cuttriss says those who attended the Trail can share their thoughts online to help grow the event in the future.
“The Arts Trail is unique to Kāpiti and we want to make sure we keep improving it every year. So if you came along on the Trail, whether it was to see one or many of the artists, please take a moment to fill out our feedback survey at www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/arts-trail. Everyone who shares their thoughts will go in the draw to win a $200 voucher for an artwork of their choice featured on the Trail.”
