Matau Ranga - Sharing Knowledge at the Whangarei Mid Winter Arts Festival

We will be at the Whangarei Mid Winter Arts Festival on 30 July and 1 August.  This is a fantastic celebration of the arts for all age groups - check out the attached pdf for more information.  They also have a website www.mwaf.co.nz.  Here is a bit more info about our contribution...

The Whangarei Mid Winter Arts Festival 2010 is proud to present: Matau Ranga (Knowledge) Exhibition in the Old Library, Rust Avenue, Whangarei - during the weekend of the 31 July and 1st August 2010.
 
This exhibition and demonstration of Maori art, carving, traditional tools and fibre techniques is a celebration of shared knowledge. 

Lead artist Wiremu Wilson-Diamond will set up a working studio during the Mid Winter Arts Festival and work alongside members of the local Kawakawa community to produce a sculpture that showcases the dynamism and beauty that can be achieved when knowledge is shared.

In a addition to being able to view these artists whilst they work during the weekend, they will be giving a free demonstration on traditional Maori  tools, musical instruments and fibre techniques from 1 – 2pm on Saturday and Sunday and carving wooden sculptures, musical instruments and making muka (flax fibre) kete.   Taonga (treasures) such as pounamu jewellery and carvings will also be available for sale.

Wiremu owns and runs Waka Huia Treasure Trove & Studio – a gallery and working studio in Kawakawa where he also tutors Maori art and sculpture to members of our community.  It is these emerging artists who he will be collaborating with during the festival.

Wiremu Wilson-Diamond – Lead artist, specialist in traditional tools
Mike Harris – wood sculpture
Opai Heta – musical instruments and sculpture
Sue – Muka (flax fibre) kete

Stone & Music Demonstration 1 – 2pm on Saturday and Sunday (free entry)

The literal translation for Matau ranga = intertwined fish hooks but as one word it means knowledge.