SummaryEver since the very first show in 2003, Rotorua’s Wearable Creationz has grown in quality and popularity. Main BodyThe show, hosted by the Rotorua Creative Art Trust, has become a spectacular world class event with dramatic lighting and sound. Exceptional artist designers, dancers and musicians join together for this year”s artistic extravaganza to be held August 18-20. The much anticipated Wearable Creationz is an annual event that features the wonderful artistic talents of numerous designers from throughout the region who showcase their creations on stage in a category of their choice. Wearable creations set to dazzle. A very successful and highly regarded Art Exhibition will also be on show in August at the Energy Events Centre on Queen”s Drive. This event is also hosted by the Rotorua Creative Art Trust. Following an opening for invited guests on August 12, the exhibition opens to the public on Saturday, August 13 free of charge. The exhibition will be open daily after this for a week from 9am to 4pm with hours extended to 7pm on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It is expected that many thousands of visitors will take the opportunity before and after the Wearable Creationz event to view the 2011 art exhibition. This year”s display will be one of the biggest art exhibitions ever held in the region. Featuring many works that have never been publicly displayed before, the exhibition will showcase a wide range of quality local work from the wider Bay of Plenty and nationally. A diverse offering of both two and three dimensional work will be on display, all of which are available for purchase. From well known artists to high school students, the exhibition is designed to delight all those that visit as well as provide valuable exposure for up and coming artists. Pieces from last year's exhibition. Sculpture by Todd Harris. “The exhibition offers a fantastic viewing experience and the opportunity to meet artists at work during scheduled daily displays providing a fresh alternative way to enjoy art,” says organiser Mijo Katavic. “Well known artists such as Michael Smithers will exhibit for a second year, while new pop-art sensation Brad Novak will exhibit several pieces for the first time in Rotorua. ” The exhibition will again be designed by Chris Currie, whose talents won acclaim from the many people who attended and experienced last year”s exhibition. With the valued support from sponsors and the many hours of voluntary work by curatorial assistants, the exhibition last year was hailed a great success, and is destined to become a signature art event nationally. Further details are available from www.wearablecreationz. co. nz by Pete Morris (2010). Pete Morris is an occasional painter and an art lover. He is a freelance writer with a particular interest in promoting the visual arts in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty.
