The Mercury Bay Art Escape Trust welcomes submissions from prospective artists interested in joining the Art Escape.

The Trust is a charitable trust passionate about supporting and promoting the vast pool of artistic talent in Mercury Bay through studio tours, exhibitions, workshops, community events, education and other relevant initiatives.

The major event each year is the Open Studio Tour, which is a self-drive tour of artists’ studios from Pauanui to Otama that takes place over the first two weekends in March. This popular event showcases a diverse group of artists from a wide variety of disciplines, including painters, sculptors, jewellers, printmakers, ceramicists, carvers, weavers and photographers in what may be the most eclectic mix of studio artists in New Zealand.  An accompanying month long exhibition of members work is held at Hot Waves Café, Hot Water Beach in conjunction with the Open Studios. Visitors and residents may also visit the studios during the year by appointment.

The Open Studio Tour is moving from strength to strength with 2015 being the most successful ever. Overall there were approximately 1,650 visitors or 10,500 studio visits over the four days with 65% of visitors coming from outside the Coromandel Peninsula area and an increase in sales of 50% from 2014. 

Applicants must live, work or have a have a close family link with a permanent property in the geographical area of Otama to Pauanui. The Art Escape Selection Panel is looking for artists who demonstrate a high level of skill, originality of design and quality exhibited in the execution of their work. A track record of sales and/or exhibitions is preferable but not essential. Emerging artists will also be considered if the quality of work meets the Art Escape’s standards.

Mercury Bay Art Escape membership provides substantial exposure for artists, networking opportunities and many other benefits including the Trustees’ efforts to encourage visitors to Mercury Bay and promotion of the Coromandel Peninsula as the most desired art destination in New Zealand.    

See http://www.mercurybayartescape.com/prospective-members-2016 for full guidelines, criteria, benefits for artists and the process for applying or contact the Administrator Marion Manson admin@mercurybayartescape.com 021 1161459 or 07 8397884.

Submissions close on 10 August 2015.

Further inquiries to

Marion Manson

MBAE Administrator

admin@mercurybayartescape.com

021 1161459 or 07 8397884