Waitaki creatives have once again jumped at the chance to be in the frame for next month’s Meet the Maker event.

On October 21 and 22, more than 30 artists and makers from as far south as Flag Swamp and as far west as Five Forks, are opening their doors so the public can see them at work.

Organiser Jane Thompson said the format remained the same as the two previous events, where people can create their own itinerary of who they would like to visit, from the lineup. 

“So you can do maybe town ones one day and go out in the country on the other day.”

A newcomer this year is Nic Dempster, at Flag Swamp, whose work is recognisable by his distinct use of strong colours and bold black outlines. 

“So that's a really cool one to go and see. He's got a lovely space out there,” Jane said. 

Tracey Vickers, who has just returned from taking part in the World of Wearableart (WOW), is also on the list, with her furniture restoration set-up and art studio near Herbert.

Not all of the creators had signed up before the programmes were printed, so Jane encouraged people to keep up to date with the latest participants, closer to the time, via the Waitaki App.

One who didn’t make the brochure is Colette O'Kane, who was part of the first Meet the Maker, and has just moved back into the district, Jane said.

“So she lived for... more than 10 years in Aboriginal communities, in Australia, and they, the women, I think it was, taught her, like, the dot painting kind of techniques and all the stories around that.

“So she uses a lot of that, in collaboration with her life.” 

The entire event is free, and all creators will have work for sale. Only some have eftpos, so people are advised to take cash - or bank transfers can be arranged.

Meet the Maker is once again part of the Waitaki Arts Festival, which runs throughout October and showcases local, national and international talent.

Festival director Frances McElhinney is delighted to present such a strong line up.

“It’s great to see local and national artists combine to provide Waitaki with art experiences they can treasure, as well as letting people see just how creative the district is. This festival is created by our community.”

The festival kicked off with the Burns Memorial Art Exhibition at the Forrester Gallery, showcasing the best of art from the district’s young people.

The on-stage acts open at Ōamaru Opera House on October 12 with the Ōamaru leg of the 360 ALLSTARS on their 10th anniversary world tour.

Seen by more than one million people worldwide, 360 ALLSTARS is described as urban circus, a fusion of BMX, basketball, breakdancing, beatboxing, acrobatics, drumming and digital display.

There’ll also be opportunities to hear from Waitaki Valley writer and farmer Phillipa Cameron, and an opportunity to workshop your own writing at Janet Frame House.

Music events involving the Rodger Fox Big Band in their 50th anniversary year and NZ hip-hop legend King Kapisi will feature at the Oamaru Opera House, or if something classical is more your taste, there’s An Evening with Awe - a string quartet from At the World’s Edge Festival 2023.

Also on offer is one-person-show Back To Square One, written, directed and performed by Anders Falstie-Jensen, or for a fix of local talent, check out The Future Is Now, presented by the Bedford School of Music Entertainment.

Art will also take to the streets, with street art mural work along Thames St, and the Waitaki Moa and Storybook Trails to take you on a journey of sculpture and story.

Artists and organisers of this year's Meet the Maker and Waitaki Arts Festival. PHOTO: Supplied