Article

The Waitakere Artists Open Studio Weekend 2010 is fast approaching so keep your diary clear for Saturday and Sunday, 27 and 28 March.

Artists from throughout Waitakere are taking part in this year's studio weekend showcasing their arts practices in their home studios. Clusters of artists, who use a variety of media, will also be at several local galleries throughout the weekend.

Launched in 2005 to celebrate the richness of the West's diverse arts community, the weekend has flourished. In its first year it featured 30 participants and in 2010 will boast more than 100 contributors and feature 38 home studios and 10 gallery clusters.

"The weekend provides visitors with the rare chance to view a creative work in the making, while giving them the opportunity to ask the artists questions and purchase their work," says the council's community arts coordinator, Julie Nash.

Supported by some of Waitakere's most celebrated artists, the range of artistic media is diverse with glass, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture being just a few examples of what is on offer.

Admission is free and an official map with venue locations will be available at local galleries or on the council website www.waitakere.govt.nz.

There are also planned mini-bus tours which will visit five home studios. The tour costs $15 and leaves from the Corban Estate Arts Centre at 10:30am and 1:30pm each day. Tickets are limited so bookings are essential.

For further information, or to make a booking, call the council's 24-hour call centre, 839 0400.