BUSINESS OF ARTS 2011 Master Class Series Ann Robinson, glass artist

Ann in her studio - photograph Kieran Scott

Ann Robinson is acknowledged as one of the great glass artists in the world and is indisputably New Zealand’s leading exponent of cast glass. Her work has received numerous national and international awards, with widespread and on-going critical acclaim.

The source of her inspiration is clear, she says. “I have a great reverence for the plant world – plants are so sensual. When I walk in the bush, I observe detail very closely – the crisscross of the nikau, the pattern at the base of the flax, the pattern of life emerging from the source. I respond to the rhythmic patterns. The eye picks out the harmonies. I like the idea that my pieces encapsulate the music of the forest.”

She points out that the qualities in the natural environment that she sees emerge in her work are those of light and mood, pattern and rhythm, strong simple form, strong contrast, strong sharp colour. Also the persistent evidence of erosion by water and wind, the rubbing of one element against another.

“I used to say that my ambition was to take one's breath away, to suspend the ordinary, to create a moment of stillness,” she says. “But glass is also wonderfully expressive material – magical to live with. Light changes reflect as a change of mood in the work. It’s a very human quality.”

Funded by the Creative Communities Scheme, Business of Arts seminars are low cost, accessible, relevant and specialist. Created especially for arts groups and individuals in the arts sector, each Master Class will contribute to a better understanding of the key factors that promote the survival of your arts initiatives.

In this Master Class Ann talks with arts consultant Tara Jahn-Werner about the realities of creating her work in an often harsh economic environment; the way she operates her new studio near the Whau River in Glendene, and gives her thoughts about how she has remained sustainable over the years.

BUSINESS OF ARTS 2011 Master Class Series
Ann Robinson, glass artist
Thursday July 7th
Corbans Estate Arts Centre
9.30am – 12.30pm
$30 each (includes light refreshments)
Bookings essential: Email info@ceac.org.nz or phone (09) 8384455

Che Fu to headline at Mean Matariki Mean

One of New Zealand’s leading hip hop/R & B and reggae artists, Che Fu, is set to headline at the Mean Matariki Mean concert at the Corban Estate Arts Centre in Henderson on Queens Birthday Weekend.

Mean Matariki Mean is a family event that’s been organized especially for primary and secondary-aged children to celebrate Matariki, the Maori new year.

Organisers for the event say Che was chosen because of his ability to capture and move audiences of all ages.

“Matariki is a time of new beginnings and we hope that this show – a mix of successful and up and coming performers might encourage budding artists in the audience to pursue their dreams,” says Martin Sutcliffe, the director of CEAC.

At the young age of four, Che Fu was inspired to become a musician when he stood stage left at the legendary Bob Marley concert in Auckland in 1979.

He went on to become one of the founding members of the iconic kiwi band, Supergroove, while he was at Western Springs High School. The band did a world tour and their debut album, Traction, went triple platinum in the mid 1990s.

To date Che has had more top-ten singles in the New Zealand charts than any other artist.

Che will be joined by a host of other acts at the Mean Matariki Mean concert 5 June between 1-4pm. They include kapa haka, DJ Poroufessor, 2011 NZ Junior Hip Hop Champs, Lil Saints and comedian Mike King’s daughter, Alex King. Alex King won three bronze medals at the World Performing Arts Championships in the States last year.


MEAN MATARIKI MEAN
With Che Fu, Lil Saints, Alex King, kappa haka, and more.
Sunday 5th June (Queens Birthday Weekend)
1pm to 4pm
At the Corban Estate Arts Centre, Henderson
PH 8384455 more informatin on our website

Viky Garden - BlueGirls

Don't miss out on these limited addition prints from Viky Garden. More information here

Question Session

Location: Old St Michaels Church, Corban Estate Arts Centre

Time: Saturday, 04 June 2011 19:30

This is a music event!

$5 concert of creative music emerging from a jazz tradition! Featuring: Matt Steele on piano, Matt Bray on guitar, Song Bae on bass, Reuben Jelleyman on kit!

Also for those who read the newspaper, this event is not on the 7th of May!

Kids Art Festival 2011

Visitor numbers were up and the rain stayed away, the Kids Art Festival 2011 was another full-on day of art classes, performances and fun.

Most art classes were held in the sheds this year and as such, they were a bustle of non-stop creative activity which lasted all day, an impressive feat of stamina from our brilliant teachers and their assistants.

The performance stage was a real highlight, showcasing the talented music and performance groups from local primary and intermediate schools. Other groups such as Lil Saints blew the crowd away & MC’s Kasina and Taups from New Native Dance Company did a great job of keeping the crowd entertained between acts.

Well done to the schools who participated in the ‘Proudly Kiwi’ exhibition displaying some real originality and ability with the visual arts. Schools involved this year were: Bruce McLaren Intermediate, Royal Road School, Kelston Int School, Rangeview Intermediate, Te Atatu Intermediate School, ACG Sunderland School (Primary & Intermediate), Western Heights School, Henderson Intermediate, Sunnyvale School, Peninsula Primary, Henderson Valley Primary, Henderson North Primary, Glen Eden Intermediate, Nga Kakano Christian Reo Rua Kura, Glen Eden Primary, Swanson Primary, Green Bay Primary/ Intermediate, Konini School.

Thanks to the Children’s librarians for their wonderful story time, Captain Fantastic and his mobile library & the Henna & face painters.
And a huge thank you to our excellent volunteers who came from Massey High School and Waitakere College.

We hope to see everyone again next year!

Art classes in the Sheds

MC's Kasina and Taups on the performance stage

Backstage

Schools art exhibition

Story Time with Auckland Library Children's Librarians Christine and Erica.

Captain Fantastic

Our excellent volunteers from Massey Highschool and Waitakere College.

Interactive sound installatio in the old Corbans wine vats by Sound Artist Sam Morrison.

Dampa bread with Riki Bennett.

Local Talent II

Students test their flying machines in 'Leonardo Always Wanted to Fly' class with tutor Eilis Galuszewski

A selection of art from the talented students who took part in our recent Children’s Easter Holiday Classes.

We would like to credit the individual artists, so please comment (below) if you recognise any of the artworks.

Life-sized self portraits with a difference with Tutor Mandy Patmore

The Enchanted Ocean with Tutor Boe Busch

The Enchanted Ocean

Oh What a Circus! with tutor Claire Hey

Oh What a Circus!