Raglan’s own wearable arts extravaganza reaches a milestone this year, celebrating its 10th edition of the biennial show which held its first event in the Town Hall twenty years ago. The first lot of tickets sold out immediately but the second lot go on sale on Friday, May 19 from creativeraglan.co.nz.
“Time goes fast doesn’t it? It’s been fabulous and it’s encouraging to see everyone still getting involved,” said founder and local textile artist Jean Carbon, who has been reminiscing by looking back over the archives.
She looks back to the first iteration of Art to Wear, which was held in 2003 and organised alongside a serendipitous group of volunteers, Patti Mitcheley, Penny Knuiman and Margot Gillard.
Initially inspired by the Japanese fabric dyeing technique, shibori, Jean had been pursuing a fashion degree at AUT and was captivated by ancient dyeing processes. Taking part in a summer creative workshop at the Old School Arts Centre, tutor Yani Split had a showing of her World of Wearable Arts creations, for which Yani had been a section winner.
“Yani said; ‘Jean, I think you can do something with this’,” says Jean, recalling how it all started.
Having completed her studies, Jean “didn’t really want a real job,” so decided to settle into her newly purchased home in Raglan and set about organising Raglan’s first ever wearable arts show.
She says the group of volunteers “really were winging it,” in the first year with Patti organising production, Penny organising judges and Margot helping with administration, but that twenty years on, “It’s much more organised now.”
(listen to the interview below:)
The Art To Wear show we see today is a fully staged production with professional staging, lighting, sounds and emcees. Usually a sell-out show, there will be a matinee and evening performance at 2pm and 7pm respectively.
Over the years, Jean has seen an evolving crew of volunteers help out with the show. She has recently stepped down from being the main coordinator and has passed the torch to Liz Hosking, another long-time Art To Wear volunteer.
“We needed to evolve, bring in new ideas and new people. I’m still part of the team but Liz is coordinating and is doing a fantastic job,” said Jean.
Along with Liz, the crew also includes Anke Spry, Irene Goad, Jodi Pinfold and Valerie Bianchi who help with various things like finances, stage production, social media and technology.
A number of categories have been announced this year with a new category - Suit-able - introduced to encourage more men to get creative with menswear.
“We would love to see more men participate - grab a coat jacket or shirt and create something with it!” Says Jean.
With 50 entries received and the show only a couple of weeks away, the organisers are very busy with weekly meetings happening to pull it all together. Jean says that the Saturday morning rehearsal of the shows are “always a shambles” but that it “comes together,” by the time the matinee kicks off at 2pm.
Raglan Art To Wear will be held at the Raglan Town Hall on Saturday, May 27th at 2pm and 7pm. Ticket available now from: https://creativeraglan.co.nz/ or drop by the Raglan Old School Arts Centre.
Show details:
Open Sections
Kalide-Escape – Color
Time in Motion
Forest Flora – Kaitakitanga
Suit-able
Childrens Section
Wing It
Email Art to Wear team at tinli33ie@gmail.com for more information