Erupt Events are gearing up to host the 2013 Big Day Art event in Taup? early next month, and welcome new naming rights partner, Quality Print.

“Seeing Taup?’s various art groups come together in the ‘never seen before fashion’ worked gang busters for us last year,” said Quality Print Managing Director, Shawn Vennell. “We wanted to commit our ongoing support to this great Taup? event, hence stepping up as naming rights partner.”

“Quality Print have been print sponsors for the Erupt Festival and other Erupt Events for the past two years, and having seen the way the Erupt team grow new events from humble beginnings makes for exiting and worthwhile involvement from the commercial sector,” said Mr Vennell. “We are very proud to be print sponsors and now naming rights to the Big Day Art.”

Held at the Great Lake Centre on Saturday 9 March, the Quality Print Big Day Art will showcase the depth and scale of local Taup? talent across a variety of artistic genres.

“We’re were thrilled with the response to Big Day Art last year,” said General Manager of Erupt Events, Kylie Hawker-Green, “and we’re amazed at the great response so far for the 2013 event. We’ve got an incredible mix of different groups and individuals who will be sharing their skills, talent and enthusiasm with the Taup? community for free.”

The Quality Print Big Day Art maximises the different spaces available at the Great Lake Centre with a variety of performances and events scheduled throughout the day.

From noon in the Great Lake Centre Theatre, audiences will be entertained by music and dance presented by some of Taup?’s many and varied young performers.

The Main Hall will be transformed into a Creative Expo, with over 30 different exhibitors including fine art, photography, music groups, wood turners, weavers and paper artists.

“The Expo is a great chance to check out the many different groups offering fellowship, classes and workshops,” explains Mrs Hawker-Green. “It’s a wonderful way to explore your creative side and maybe pick up a new hobby or join a new group.”

“Thanks to the enthusiasm of our groups, we are able to offer some hands-on chances to try your hand at a new craft, including scrapbooking, ceramics, and printing,” said Mrs Hawker-Green. “One new initiative that we know will be popular is the Unison Creation Station, where you can have a go creating a 3D sculpture from recycled electrical componentry.”

Another new initiative for 2013 is the creation of an evening performance in the Great Lake Centre Theatre, starting at 7pm. Cheekily called the ‘Big Starry Night’, this variety show includes performances by the Taupo Concert Band; Hot Tub & Blended jazz group featuring Chelsea Dolman & Donovan Bixley; Trinity College of Music; Short n Sweet barbershop; soloists Lianna Harris and Sophie Mae; plus dance performances by Taupo Academy of Dance and Misfits Hip Hop Studio.

Tickets for Big Starry Night are only $10 each for adults, with children aged 12 and under free. Tickets can be pre-purchased from the Great Lake Centre, and there will be limited door sales available.

The full programme will be printed in Taup? Times on Friday 8 March, and will be available from www.erupt.co.nz/big-day-art from Monday 4 March.

For more information, contact Chelsea Dolman, Big Day Art Co-ordinator, 07 376 0406 or chelsea@erupt.co.nz .
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