This Friday, Halloween, the studio had its official launch.
It was a good evening. The day had started wet and windy but by the afternoon the weather had cleared and it was sunny, perfect to welcome those well-wishers who came along for the occasion. The studio had been cleaned and tidied, and with huge bunches of flowers from family and friends, it was all looking very good.
The proceedings kicked off with a song by the Left Bank Gallery Choir, a small group that I run in the art gallery in town. We sang this piece, and then I gave the welcoming speech. During the talk I thanked everyone who has helped to get the studio to this stage, and said a special thank you to family who could not be at the opening but had sent good thoughts for it. It was very emotional but I managed to get through it after a brief stop.
The choir then sang a few more songs and the studio was officially open. During the next half hour or so we drank sparkling wine and ate snacks before the group started to head next door to the Regent Theatre where more wine and food was available. A friend gave a warm and generous speech about the studio, and about Andrew and I moving to Māwhera and how we have been welcomed by the community. Then another friend began a waiata, the singing of which we all joined. Many congratulations later, some beautiful gifts of weaving and poetry, hugs and good thoughts we left and had dinner at our favourite restaurant in town.
The opening of the studio has taken a long time. There have been a few trials along the way but finally the West Coast Cloth Company is on its way, and the Textile Trust Aotearoa is too. The studio will be a place of learning, production and inspiration, I hope, and I look forward to seeing what the future brings. The summer season will start on the 20th November with the studio open weekdays from 11am to 3pm and by appointment from then.
It was fitting that this opening was not a riotous occasion but rather one of simplicity and joy. I am deeply grateful to those who could come and those who couldn’t make it but sent good wishes. It is lovely to have this amount of support and to know that we are part of the Greymouth community. Thank you everyone.
Comments
6 responses to “The studio opening”
What a wonderful event and beginning. All strength to your work!
Thank you Fiona. It is exciting and rather wonderful to be so welcomed. We are very lucky to live in a community that is so open to creativity!
Congratulations Andy! Getting to this stage has undoubtedly lots of hard work. All the best fostering exciting learning and textile exploration.
Laura
Taupo
Many thanks Laura. It has been a real learning curve and there have been a lot of unanticipated issued but we are definitely on the way and I am looking forward to being back and starting to plan workshops and events.
We are heading up your way shortly but won’t make it to Taupo. Next time we come through I shall let you know.
Andy
So pleased for you both. Good to know you have been welcomed into the community so warmly. As we are now in Winter with darkening skies at 4pm we are deeply envious of you preparing for a long summer. Tonight, believe it or not, Series10 of the drama, Shetland, begins on BBC1 – I shall be watching and remembering the day you both looked after Ann and I when we came ashore for the day. Happy days.
Enjoy your trip to North Island and all good wishes for success at the Studio.
Kind regards to both, Isobel 😊
Thank you Isobel. Yes, that was a fun trip! We talk about that whenever we are on the ferry between South and North Islands here.
We are away at the moment and I have a meeting tomorrow with a fashion designer to talk about all things wool. Isn’t that exciting?!
Stay well and enjoy the Shetland drama. Amazing that it is now in its tenth series.
Andy