The Quarry Arts Centre

About The Quarry Arts Centre

Description

Let me tell ya about one of Whangarei's most fascinating creative hubs! The Quarry Arts Centre completely transforms what was once an industrial quarry into this absolutely incredible artistic sanctuary. I gotta say, it's pretty amazing how they've managed to blend the raw, rugged quarry landscape with creative expression. The whole place just oozes artistic energy. The heart and soul of this place is definitely its ceramic scene. As someone who's always been fascinated by pottery (even if my own attempts look like they were made by a toddler), I can tell you this is ceramic heaven. You'll find everything from professional-grade clays and glazes to top-notch kilns. And trust me, watching the resident artists at work is like seeing magic happen right before your eyes.

Key Features

• Yvonne Rust Gallery showcasing rotating exhibitions of local and national artists • Fully-equipped ceramics facility with workrooms and kiln services • Te Kowhai Print Trust's collection of vintage printing equipment • Working artist studios where you can watch creators in action • Quarry Craft Co-op Shop featuring locally-made artworks and crafts • Outdoor sculpture garden integrated with the natural quarry setting • Regular workshops and classes for various skill levels • Community spaces for artistic gatherings and events

Best Time to Visit

I've found that mid-morning on weekdays tends to be the sweet spot for visiting the Quarry Arts Centre. That's when you'll catch most of the artists in their studios, working their magic. Saturdays can get pretty lively too, especially when there's a new exhibition opening or a workshop happening. But honestly? Any time between Monday and Saturday is great for checking out the ceramics store and gallery. The lighting is particularly gorgeous in the late afternoon when the sun hits the quarry walls just right - perfect for photography enthusiasts! And if you're keen on shopping at the Craft Co-op Shop, you've got the flexibility of seven-day access.

How to Get There

Getting to the Quarry Arts Centre is actually super straightforward. It's just a five-minute walk from central Whangarei, which I love because you can easily combine it with other city activities. The walk itself is quite pleasant, taking you past some interesting urban scenes before you reach this artistic oasis. If you're driving, there's plenty of parking available on-site. And yeah, I'll admit it - the first time I visited, I almost missed the entrance because I was too busy gawking at the impressive quarry face! Just keep your eyes peeled for the signs, and you'll be fine.

Tips for Visiting

Okay, here's the inside scoop from someone who's spent way too much time here (is there such a thing?). First off, wear comfortable shoes - you'll want to explore every nook and cranny of this place, including the outdoor sculpture garden, and the terrain can be a bit uneven in spots. If you're interested in printmaking at Te Kowhai Print Trust, definitely book ahead. I learned this the hard way! They operate by appointment only, but it's totally worth planning in advance to see their amazing collection of traditional printing equipment. For the best experience, try to time your visit when there's a workshop or demonstration happening. The energy is just different when you can see artists in action and maybe even try your hand at something new. Check their schedule when you arrive - there's usually something interesting going on. And here's a pro tip: bring a camera! The contrast between the industrial quarry backdrop and the delicate artworks makes for some seriously amazing photo opportunities. I've gotten some of my favorite shots in the sculpture garden during golden hour. The ceramics store is a treasure trove for both serious artists and casual enthusiasts. Even if you're not planning to buy, it's fascinating to see all the tools and materials that go into creating ceramic pieces. And who knows? You might just get inspired to sign up for one of their classes! Last but not least, take your time. This isn't a place to rush through. Chat with the artists if they're not too busy - they're usually happy to talk about their work and might share some interesting stories about the centre's history. The Quarry Arts Centre isn't just a destination; it's a living, breathing community of creators, and that's what makes it such a special place to visit.

Description

Let me tell ya about one of Whangarei’s most fascinating creative hubs! The Quarry Arts Centre completely transforms what was once an industrial quarry into this absolutely incredible artistic sanctuary. I gotta say, it’s pretty amazing how they’ve managed to blend the raw, rugged quarry landscape with creative expression. The whole place just oozes artistic energy.

The heart and soul of this place is definitely its ceramic scene. As someone who’s always been fascinated by pottery (even if my own attempts look like they were made by a toddler), I can tell you this is ceramic heaven. You’ll find everything from professional-grade clays and glazes to top-notch kilns. And trust me, watching the resident artists at work is like seeing magic happen right before your eyes.

Key Features

• Yvonne Rust Gallery showcasing rotating exhibitions of local and national artists
• Fully-equipped ceramics facility with workrooms and kiln services
• Te Kowhai Print Trust’s collection of vintage printing equipment
• Working artist studios where you can watch creators in action
• Quarry Craft Co-op Shop featuring locally-made artworks and crafts
• Outdoor sculpture garden integrated with the natural quarry setting
• Regular workshops and classes for various skill levels
• Community spaces for artistic gatherings and events

Best Time to Visit

I’ve found that mid-morning on weekdays tends to be the sweet spot for visiting the Quarry Arts Centre. That’s when you’ll catch most of the artists in their studios, working their magic. Saturdays can get pretty lively too, especially when there’s a new exhibition opening or a workshop happening. But honestly? Any time between Monday and Saturday is great for checking out the ceramics store and gallery.

The lighting is particularly gorgeous in the late afternoon when the sun hits the quarry walls just right – perfect for photography enthusiasts! And if you’re keen on shopping at the Craft Co-op Shop, you’ve got the flexibility of seven-day access.

How to Get There

Getting to the Quarry Arts Centre is actually super straightforward. It’s just a five-minute walk from central Whangarei, which I love because you can easily combine it with other city activities. The walk itself is quite pleasant, taking you past some interesting urban scenes before you reach this artistic oasis.

If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking available on-site. And yeah, I’ll admit it – the first time I visited, I almost missed the entrance because I was too busy gawking at the impressive quarry face! Just keep your eyes peeled for the signs, and you’ll be fine.

Tips for Visiting

Okay, here’s the inside scoop from someone who’s spent way too much time here (is there such a thing?). First off, wear comfortable shoes – you’ll want to explore every nook and cranny of this place, including the outdoor sculpture garden, and the terrain can be a bit uneven in spots.

If you’re interested in printmaking at Te Kowhai Print Trust, definitely book ahead. I learned this the hard way! They operate by appointment only, but it’s totally worth planning in advance to see their amazing collection of traditional printing equipment.

For the best experience, try to time your visit when there’s a workshop or demonstration happening. The energy is just different when you can see artists in action and maybe even try your hand at something new. Check their schedule when you arrive – there’s usually something interesting going on.

And here’s a pro tip: bring a camera! The contrast between the industrial quarry backdrop and the delicate artworks makes for some seriously amazing photo opportunities. I’ve gotten some of my favorite shots in the sculpture garden during golden hour.

The ceramics store is a treasure trove for both serious artists and casual enthusiasts. Even if you’re not planning to buy, it’s fascinating to see all the tools and materials that go into creating ceramic pieces. And who knows? You might just get inspired to sign up for one of their classes!

Last but not least, take your time. This isn’t a place to rush through. Chat with the artists if they’re not too busy – they’re usually happy to talk about their work and might share some interesting stories about the centre’s history. The Quarry Arts Centre isn’t just a destination; it’s a living, breathing community of creators, and that’s what makes it such a special place to visit.

Location

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