Star Glaze Mid Winter Ceramics Festival

Star Glaze is an 'up market' all-weather winter festival with attractions both indoors and outdoors.
The festival aims to create a sustainable mid-winter celebration of art and culture again this year with additional exciting offerings.

Star Glaze, launched by Ōtaki Pottery Club and coinciding with Ōtaki-Māori Racing Club race day on Matariki Day, received a positive response from the community during the Matariki weekend in 2022 creating a unique festival feel where art and sport merged. The event provided a platform for emerging ceramists to showcase their work. Based on its success, the club aims to deepen the exploration of Matariki's significance through the festival.

Kāpiti Coast District Council through their Arts Sustainable Fund has kindly chosen to support OPC for three years to develop the festival to become an annual fixture in the Kāpiti Coast arts calendar. The three-year festival plan includes building relationships within the Māori community, establishing ceramic awards, educational displays, interactive exhibits, and culturally-inspired food. The festival has plans to have significant Māori artworks commissioned during the three years that explore the themes of Matariki.

Scheduled from July 13th to 15th, 2023, the festival will be held at the Ōtaki-Māori Racecourse, Tote Modern Gallery, and Ōtaki Pottery Clubrooms. Last year's event saw 65 exhibitors and 1,600 visitors, with this year's goal to increase the number of participants.

This year Star Glaze will be introducing two prestigious art awards: The BotPots-sponsored accolade which celebrates exhibitors whose displays explore a concept of Matariki, and the second award offers a coveted mentorship program for an emerging ceramic artists. Additionally, a people's choice award empowers the public to share their invaluable perspectives. Whanau and tamariki will also have the opportunity to create their own ceramic stars, engaging with the festival's themes.

Star Glaze extends a warm invitation to embrace the spirit of Matariki, to admire the artwork whilst witnessing the graceful gallop of the horses, or even to unleash your creativity by crafting your very own star. Star Glaze invites everyone to come together and celebrate Matariki for an unforgettable festival experience.

Entry is by koha and it will be a 'cash 'n carry' event.