GO WEST

Artist, Bee Doughty-Pratt. Detail.

Go West Tucked in between the Tararua Ranges in the east and 40 km of coastline on the west is the Kāpiti Coast, a nature lovers’ haven with great beaches, a world-class marine reserve, and extensive tracks and

‘Come for the art - trails for walking, cycling and horse riding. But over the weekends of 6-7 and 13-14 stay for the weekend’ November 2021, the Coast draws visitors for a very different reason: the Kāpiti Arts Trail is a free annual event that sees - that’s the call from the Kāpiti Coast artists across the district open their studio and we couldn’t agree more. And we also doors to give art lovers and the art curious alike a glimpse into their creative worlds. couldn’t think of a better time to pay their piece of paradise a visit than when the The premise is simple. The tour is selfguided via a comprehensive map of

Kāpiti Arts Trail celebrates 21 years of participating artists who invite people bringing art to us all in November this year. in to see not only the works they have available to purchase but also the magic that goes into creating each unique piece. This year, the 21st year of the Kāpiti Arts Trail, sees a number of new artists as well as many returning creators in a combination of both the relatively unknown and globally recognised names. It’s a simple concept, but the chance to step inside the creative spaces of so many diverse and talented people is pretty special - and not to be missed.

A free annual event that sees artists across the district open their studio doors

As Arts Trail spokesperson Rosie Salas says, there really is something for everyone. “Every year, I get really excited to see more and more wonderful artists opening their studios to visitors with such a diverse range of art mediums, and this year is no exception.”

“In fact this year’s Trail is set to be brighter than ever, with new art hubs, galleries, and artists in studios joining the Trail. We’ve got many of our regular fabulous artists returning - jewellers, ceramic artists, painters, and sculptors, and those working in fascinating art forms such as mixed media, tattoo, and mosaic. We’re so lucky that Kāpiti is such a drawcard for artists, with some amazing new creatives moving here recently. They bring with them some fresh art forms, like Hamish Macaulay, a fabulous printmaker recently returned from London, Rose Lawson who makes terrarium sculptures, Morag Stokes who does amazing paintings with unusual materials, and Selwyn Palmer, who is well-known for his indigenous carving and tapa art from the Solomon Islands. Relax Unwind Indulge Atahuri awaits

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Artist, Jennifer Turnbull

Along with our well-established galleries – Toi Matarau, Artel, Tote Modern, Old Court, Kāpiti Gallery, and Big Mac Slabs Creative Centre – we’re especially pleased to welcome two new galleries on board. Toi Tangata Studio Gallery in Ōtaki specialises in indigenous art forms including tā moko from Aotearoa and other nations, and Summerstone Gallery, directed by well-known ceramicists Mike and Judy Page, opens soon in Kāpiti Road. Also, It’s great to welcome back some very well-known artists who have been away for a while – including glass artist Graeme Hitchcock and painter Bee Doughty-Pratt.”

It’s a simple concept, but the chance to step inside the creative spaces of so many diverse and talented people is pretty special

“I also love to see the newer, emerging artists who are in the Trail for the first or second year, often as part of a hub or collective,” Rosie says. “One place that’s always wonderful to visit is Kāpiti Youth Support, where younger artists with amazing promise are supported to exhibit their work. And I’m always intrigued by the stories behind the artworks – it gives me a whole new appreciation for what I’m viewing.” The Kāpiti Coast has always attracted creativity, but in recent years it has cast its spell over a whole new demographic as Kiwis from around the country discover its charms. And hitting the Coast for an Arts Trail Weekend is the perfect way to see what all the buzz is about.

For many it is the incredible natural environment that is - literally - right on the Kapaiti Coast’s doorstep. The rugged west coat beaches are dynamic in any weather, and there is an extensive network of tracks and trails that you can cycle, hike or horse trek along. To get a little more up close and personal with the local wildlife there are bird tours and nature reserves, the grand daddy of them all being Kāpiti Island, a tranquil bird sanctuary and one of New Zealand’s most accessible nature reserves. Access is by approved tour operators only, so you do have to plan in advance, but it makes for a great complement to the Arts Trail and is well worth it for little ones and grown ups alike.

Sometimes however, having no plan is a plan in itself. Kāpiti is a haven for foodies with great cafes and restaurants, craft breweries, artisan producers, and excellent boutique shopping to be discovered around every turn. With the Arts Trail map as your guide, it’s a journey of discovery in more ways than one.

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