Aratoi celebrates its first 50 years with an exhibition representing 50 years of collecting. With more than 3000 items to choose from it has been no easy task, but the selection reflects the highlights and significant events, as well as the many gifts received, that have helped form the Aratoi collection.
From the obvious, such as work by Colin McCahon, Robin White and Barbara Hepworth, to the less obvious: an 1869 ship’s biscuit with a tale to tell of the visit of a prince; from Taonga Māori to botanical sketches and contemporary art to photographs of early settlement, there will be some surprises as items never shown before emerge into the light.
The 50th celebrations include public events, an education programme, and a publication.
Exhibition Opening: Friday, 16 August 5.30pm - the exhibition is curated by Bronwyn Reid. Wairarapa Mayors Lyn Patterson (Masterton), Viv Napier (South Wairarapa) and John Booth (Carterton) will officiate. Guest Speaker: Luit Bieringa. MC: Bob Francis, QSE, MBE.
Floor Talk: Saturday, 17 August 11am - Director Susanna Shadbolt & Collection Manager Bronwyn Reid
Free Lecture Series every second SUNDAY from 1 September, at 2pm
1/9 The 1970s – Luit Bieringa, former Aratoi Director, Director National Art Gallery (1979-89)
15/9 The 1980s – Barbara Roydhouse, Chair of Aratoi Regional Trust
29/9 The 1990s – Bob Francis QSO MBE, Mayor of Masterton (1986-2007)
13/10 The 2000s – Richard Arlidge, former Aratoi Director
27/10 The 2010s – Dame Robin White, Honorary Patron of Aratoi
Book Launch on our 50th Birthday - Friday, 11 October, 5:30pm
Proudly designed, produced and printed in Wairarapa, this fully illustrated book features taonga in the Aratoi collection, with beautiful photographs and captivating stories of Wairarapa and beyond.
Retails at $59.95 - Available from 11 October.
Editing
Lydia Wevers
Writing
Gregory O’Brien, Jill Trevelyan, Lizzie Bisley, Sian van Dyk, Bronwyn Reid, Susanna Shadbolt
Translation
Wawaro Te Whaiti
Graphic Design
Geoff Francis, Goodeye
Photography
John Casey, Bruce Foster
Printing
Printcraft, Masterton
BOOK LAUNCH: Friday, 11 October, 5:30pm
MC – Gregory O’Brien
All writers in attendance.
Pre-paid books can be collected on the night for signing.
50th Anniversary Dinner: Copthorne Solway Park, Thursday, 31 October, 6pm (Tickets $60 from Aratoi, $60+ fees from Eventfinda)
Proudly supported by
