Quarry Arts April 2020 News

Alison Shrigley Reporter from Whangārei Leader

Kia ora koutou katoa

As a nation, Aotearoa/New Zealand, we can count ourselves very fortunate in this global crisis. Our natural island isolation, wide-open spaces, abundance of social support and a sensible government that has led us into a timely lock-down to come through this with the best possible outcomes. We are all doing our best to keep our lives and responsibilities afloat while we isolate in our familiar "bubbles". For our arts community it is a time for reflection and perhaps an invitation for new directions.

Non-essential?
The arts are officially deemed as "non-essential" and so Quarry Arts Centre is closed, now occupied only by the curious wildlife of Pukenui forest. We know art is essential to personal and social well being, and now in many homes this is being expressed in a wealth of creative activity. Fortunately, a lack of options is always inspiring for artists. However, the lock-down is a major disturbance to our workshops schedule, exhibitions and planned events.

Events on pause
All our regular services and events are paused, with the hope to continue where they left-off later.
At this time, all our planned exhibitions must be cancelled for the year. When we get a better sense of the evolving situation, we can look at creating a new exhibition programme going forward, and include our existing exhibitors in novel ways.

Studio Artists Exhibition
The Studio Artists group exhibition that would have started now will be held as the first showing when the curtain lifts. It is with great pride that we can present selected works from our richly talented community of resident artists. We can't wait to announce the opening and look forward to seeing some of you there.

Great Plate
The Great Plate is going ahead for another great year. As we speak, countless plates are being thrown at home and we greatly appreciate the efforts those potters who have generously given their time and energy to help .When we can, contributing artists can collect a plate to make what they will for the Great Plate auction and showcase.

Clay and glaze supplies
To our ceramics art community; we encourage you to place your clay and glaze orders with us now.
Most artists will be running out of their favourite supplies while thinking about what to make next. Place your orders now and we will put them aside for you. Or we'll let you know we've ordered more and when to expect the next shipment.
Maybe this way we can "flatten the curve" of panic-ceramics-buying and gracefully sail into practice with a renewed enthusiasm.

Kiln service
Our kiln-service is also on pause and will resume when we re-open. To avoid overloading the waiting-shelves in the kiln room, we ask that if you have work to fire, please let us know before you bring it in and we will get back to you swiftly about when is a good time. Once the kilns are firing again, Israel and the team will be making haste to work through everyone's pieces.

Back Soon
Keep caring for each other while we isolate and keep the creativity and humour flowing. We look forward to seeing everyone again soon, re-emerging in good spirits.

Haere ra,

The Quarry Team