New Zealand Glassworks up-and-running
Published on 01 March 2017
1 March 2017
The new glass facility New Zealand Glassworks Te Whare Tūhua o Te Ao (NZG) is up-and-running.
Manager Scott Redding says completing the complex facility fit out and upgrading the glass blowing equipment to meet the new health and safety legislation took longer than anticipated but he is delighted that the facility is now open for the community to use.
“With all the health and safety measures in place, New Zealand Glassworks is setting a national benchmark for a glass facility right here in Whanganui. It is one of the most compliant and safest glass facilities in the world.”
In September 2016 the gallery and facility was opened by former Whanganui Mayor Annette Main and since then has welcomed hundreds of visitors from near and far.
NZG is the first national glass facility and is helping to unify the already established community of glass artists in Whanganui and New Zealand. A range of workshops and events are planned throughout March and beyond.
“New Zealand Glassworks is dedicated to the on-going development of all glass artists and to provide them with the best possible opportunities and education. The open access facility allows glass artists to indulge in their chosen glass practice all year round. This is an exciting and interactive facility for the entire community to enjoy,” says Mr Redding.
New Zealand Glassworks presents a contemporary gallery space of an international standard, featuring some of New Zealand’s most respected and collected artists in this field.
“In the six months the gallery has been open, visitors have been wowed with the diverse range of high quality works on display.”
New Zealand Glassworks will continue to expand the range of works available in the gallery and will be launching an online gallery soon.
The glass facility is open seven days a week from 10.00am to 4.30pm.