New Zealand Dance Week starts tomorrow 27th April and I’m off to the dance. You can select from an interesting array of creativity around the Bay over the weekend and the coming week. There’s an emphasis on arts and creativity for the younger crew. Check out some of what’s going on:-
Over in Rotorua tomorrow at 10.30am The Travelling Tuataras will be leading a free arts and creativity session at the The Arts Village. And there’s also a free arts and creativity programme over at The Children’s Art House in the Government Gardens. From 9am the Lakes Performing Art Studios in Hinemoa Street have a free A Day of Dance to kick of NZ Dance Week and at 10.30am you’ll find The Messy Magic Adventure starting at the Blue Baths. And, don’t miss the last days of The Great Rotorua Museum Easter Egg Hunt – on both Saturday and Sunday in the Government Gardens (check how and where to pick up the search information – you can pick it up at the isite or download from the Museum facebook page). It’s not all for them – lots for “grownups” on in the evenings including the re-tour of “How I met my Father” at 8pm at The Little Theatre (ticketed admission).
On Saturday morning in Tauranga you’ll want to head down to the Historic Village on 17th Avenue (after you’ve been to the Farmer’s Market at the Tauranga Primary School on Cameron Road. It opens at 7.45am – there’s a competitive run for the free range eggs!). The Zee Market will be at the Village with its original art and artisan products and also The Turning Point Trust has one of its Vintage & Retro Fairs starting at 9am. The V&R Fair is a cash only event. All the proceeds go to the work of the Trust. Over at the Papamoa Community Centre from 10am there’s the Papamoa Arts & Craft Market. If you didn’t get breakfast at the Farmer’s Market eat something delicious at The Whipped Baker in the Historic Village. Check out the new mural “Kotahitanga” on one of the walls of the lane in front of the old Church 
Saturday night you’ll find a “Spring Awakening” at the Westside Theatre and punk band “Fire Maidens from Outer Space” will be at the Jam Factory. And, if you’re up and about on Sunday morning get along to the Mount Record Fair at Totara Street at 11am. (The three L.A.B. gigs here are sold out). Over at the Mount mainstreet you’ll find the Sunday Mount Farmer’s Market from 9am to 1pm. The Mount really ticks and this is a great time of the year to be over there.
Sunday 11am to 3pm you’ll find The Atrium Art & Artisan Fair on at the Black Sheep at Whakamarama. The Fair is held within the Black Sheep complex and also features original art, art craft and artisan products. Food and drinks available and sealed parking outside the door.
There’s visual art to experience too. The Art Lounge on Willow Street and The Tauranga Art Gallery just along from it are open both Saturday and Sunday. Macandmor in the Goddard Centre is open Saturdays too. Down at the Historic Village you’ll find several galleries (free admission). At the Incubator Gallery the 90-year-old Doreen McNeill has a solo exhibition of her stunning abstract work.
You’ll know by now that I’m particularly fond of Kati Kati to the north-west of Tauranga. It’s a creative hub. There’s a new library and community complex and interesting gallery spaces and art and art craft outlets.
The Carlton Gallery at The Arts Junction has a new exhibition starting on Monday 29th April “A Burst of Colour”. It’s a solo exhibition by Karangahake Gorge artist Jacquie Ellis until Sunday 8th May. Jacquie is particularly noted for her realistic depictions of nature in her breathtaking landscapes and seascapes, and as a visual artist of light and colour. 
Her work is inspired by colours and seasons and incorporates her diverse talent using oils, acrylics and pastels. With her subject matter always changing, the viewer will enjoy the fresh and original approach this brings to her paintings. Jacquie has been painting since the mid-1990’s (Text and images provided, image below also appearing as header feature)
CARLTON GALLERY Address: 36 Main Road, Katikati Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm Sat & Sun 10am-2pm
The Atrium Gallery at the Black Sheep Whakamarama has its third exhibition opening
XCBITION Doreen McNeill’s latest exhibition at the Incubator Tauranga from 24th of April to the 15th of May 2019.
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COMING UP ON ARTbop
We have a conversation with artisan, bespoke silver jeweller Barb Hudson of Barisa
A visit to Morrinsville 
A day out at the Cambridge Autumn Festival and the Maadi Cup street parade
Doing the Lions Te Puna Quarry Autumn Festival with artist and creative Nicci Baxter
And my Sunday down on the Strand at the Jazz Festival 
Afternoon tea at the ever-consistent and yummy The Dry Dock!
The opening of Doreen McNeill’s current exhibition at The Incubator Gallery
ARTbop
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Gary Baseman & Friends at the Tauranga Art Gallery
https://www.artgallery.org.nz/exhibitions
The Art Lounge is now located in Willow Street next to High St Boutique. You’ll also find The Nourished Eatery and the Tauranga Art Gallery. The Art Lounge is a private dealer gallery where you will find a wide selection of art and creativity. They also have workshops and art focused lessons. https://www.theartloungenz.com
AND REMEMBER…..ENJOY!
