The much refurbished Historic Village in the Avenues of Tauranga is now home to a collection of interesting boutique shops and galleries.
I’m a “frequent visitor” to the Historic Village – all sorts of reasons – exhibitions at the several galleries, something to eat at The Whipped Baker, checking out The Joy Gypsy and The Velvet Coat Hanger and the monthly openings of the Rusty Mannequin and Retro & Vintage (Turning Point Trust boutique outlets).
My favourite reason for going to the Historic Village has to be to see artist and hair cutter Vanessa Locke. Apart from amazing haircuts Vanessa is often attired in genuine, vintage clothing and has a wicked sense of humour and fun.
I like to get to hair appointments early, mainly to make sure I can find somewhere to park, but also to see what’s going on around the Village. If you’re in Tauranga this weekend you should head on down to the Historic Village.
Helen of The Joy Gypsy has recently changed the layout of the shop – to make it more “shop-like”. I interrupt a late lunch.
Apart from the assortment of local and imported homewares Helen has acquired some beautiful woven rugs. Jewel colours that I love.
The Joy Gypsy will be open tomorrow Saturday 10am to 3pm and on Sunday 10am to 1pm. The boutique is always closed on Mondays. Helen is also a wedding planner.
Rachel of The Velvet Coat Hanger has wonderful recycled clothing and accessories. It’s all beautifully presented and reasonably priced.
I want to buy the tiny crocodile clutch and the vibrant orange London Fog raincoat. I can see myself out and about in it over black….
The racks have a number of other Autumn-coats – one looks genuine 60’s and there’s another topper – in glowing Chartreuse.
This olive wool jumper had only just come in – put that on my want list as well.
The Turning Point Trust has opened two boutique outlets. The Rusty Mannequin sells pre-loved, high quality clothing, footwear, bags and accessories along with sister shop Retro & Vintage which sells just that. They are both fundraisers for the Trust. They are open monthly with the Historic Village Market on the third Sunday of the month 9am to 12noon. They only take cash. Both outlets are worth a really good look and you’re supporting a mental health organisation.
While you’re down in the Village visit the exhibitions of art and creativity at The People’s Gallery and The Incubator Gallery; check out Imprint Gallery and the Turner Gallery. If you’re there on the market Sundays you’ll find these galleries open.
Guilty secret: last time I was in the Village I had a chicken pie from The Whipped Baker – it’s a real chicken pie. With the colder weather coming along this is something you’ll just love. Second confession: the best ginger crunch I’ve eaten. I asked them to cut it in half in the vain hope I wouldn’t eat it all in one go – fat chance.
Hope you all enjoy Saturday and Sunday at the Historic Village, a place to add to your National Jazz Festival Tauranga list of things to see and do. Might see you on the Strand on Sunday for Day 2 of the Downtown Carnival. It kicks off at 10am (to 2pm) with The Little Big Markets. The music programme starts at 12noon and goes to 6pm. Family fun zone for kids is 11am to 6pm. Tomorrow Saturday starts at 11am with a parade of vintage cars along Willow Street from Cliff Road and then there’s the fun zone and music. The ones I’ve been to in other years have been great. There are three stages and admission is only a gold coin with children under 14 free.
Rosemary Balu. 
Rosemary Balu is the founding and current Managing Editor of ARTbop. Rosemary has arts and law degrees from the University of Auckland. She has been a working lawyer and has participated in a wide variety of community activities where information gathering, submission writing, community advocacy and education have been involved. Interested in all forms of the arts since childhood Rosemary is focused on further developing and expanding multi-media ARTbop as the magazine for all the creative arts in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.
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EASTER MEANS JAZZ IN TAURANGA AND THE SURROUNDING DISTRICT. THINK JAZZ THINK EASTER THINK TAURANGA
Give us a ‘like’ or comment if you are attending any of the concerts at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, TOTARA STREET or in Downtown Tauranga.
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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/
ZEE MARKET AT THE HISTORIC VILLAGE 27TH APRIL 10AM TO 2PM An awesome array of stalls lining the streets of the ever so popular Historic Village, individual stalls showcasing their beautiful handmade wares, handcrafts and small business from woodwork to Jewelry, Art and food. Unique Mothers Day gifts to be found.
Western Bay of Plenty artist Maggie Savage a regular exhibitor at the Atrium Art & Artisan Fair
SUNDAY 28th APRIL 2019, 11AM TO 3PM the ATRIUM ART & ARTISAN FAIR IS ON AT THE BLACK SHEEP WHAKAMARAMA. There’s free parking adjacent to the complex, good food and drinks and wonderful art, art craft and artisan product. ENJOY!
Janeane Joyce (Birds Bees and Butterflys) looks after, and feeds, a lot of birds, both wild (including rehabilitation) and in her aviaries. She makes birdseed cakes and bird feeders to help with this. They are great for hanging in gardens and/or aviaries/cages, and the birds really enjoy them.
She also photographs many of her birds before release and makes greeting cards from them. Visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/birdsbeesandbutterflys/ or email her on birdsbeesandbutterflys@gmail.com She also shares lots of stories on her Facebook page about the different birds she is looking after through her volunteer wildlife work.
