The Whakatane Society of Arts and Crafts is an umbrella body for a number of different arts disciplines. It incorporates groups of painters, potters, spinners, weavers, felters, woodturners, lace makers, rug makers, quilters as well as individuals whose work includes glasswork, photography, doll making, papercraft and sculpture.
A group of society members was responsible for the 2-year project to hand-paint the tiles that complete the Whakatane Vertigraph, the towns most recently installed public art work.
Our facilities include two large workrooms which also serve as galleries, meeting places and social rooms(they are available for hire), a kitchen, small libraries, wood turners workshop (complete with lathes), spinners wheels and weaving looms to use, also a pottery room with wheels and an electric kiln and a variety of other equipment. The outdoor area is used for market days as well as for working in, and the high traffic flow provides many opportunities to market our work and attract new members.
New members are always welcome. Should you require more information, either contact the group you are interested in joining, or contact the Membership Secretary, Lindsay Riddick 308 5893 or fill out the online request form in contact us.
Subscriptions are set each April at the AGM. This year they are:
Individual Adult Membership - $40 reduced to $35 if paid by end of May
Family Membership - $50 reduced to $45 if paid by end of May
Student Membership - $16
Committee meetings are held on the second Monday of the month, at 7.30pm at the clubrooms. All members are welcome.
Room Rental - The rooms are available for rent to groups and individuals at reasonable cost. Phone Secretary on 07 308 2474
Workshops - From time to time, various local, national and international tutors are available to tutor workshops and demonstrations. The Society will help groups to organise these if the need /opportunity arises.
Exhibitions - The Society holds its major Annual Exhibition of members work in the Whakatane Museum and Gallery. This is an opportunity to show our talents to the public.. Each year we compete in the Bay Arts Festival with 12 other groups from the region.
Invitations to local exhibitions at our own gallery are extended to our members regularly and ‘sale of work’ opportunities are numerous. The gallery at the Rooms is open every Monday 9am – 12 noon .
WOODCRAFT CLUB
- Turning, carving and other wood crafts
Meet on Wednesday nights at 7.30pm
Contact – Alex 07 308 5051
PAINTING GROUP
- Members meet each Monday at 9.30am
Contact - Clare 07 308 5154
POTTERY
- Contact - Lyn 07 308 4344
EASTBAY QUILTERS
- Meet on the second and fourth Thursday of the month
10am - 2pm
Contact Marion 07 308 5939
NEEDLEPUNCH RUG GROUP
- Members meet each Thursday evening at 7.30pm
Contact Olga 07 308 8433
FIBRECRAFTERS
- This group includes spinners, weavers and felters
Members meet each Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Contact Babs 07 312 5626
WEAVERS
- Members meet 3rd Thursday of the month 10am - 2pm
Contact Judy 07 308 2474
BOBBIN LACE
- Meet 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month
Contact – Erica 07 308 5474
DECOUPAGE
- Meet every Wedneday afternoon 2pm – 4pm
Contact Zosha 07 307 0144
GLASSWORK
- Is being offered if interest is shown
Contact - Robyn 07 308 7914
HISTORY
The Society was formed in 1960, as the ‘Form and Colour Group’ by a group of painters and potters who were interested in promoting art and craft in the community. They became the Whakatane Art Society soon after to be eligible for grants for tutors and exhibitions and found premises behind the Commercial Hotel which served them well for many years. When the building was demolished, a lease from the Council was secured for the current building in McAlister Street.
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