Time for a cuppa at Estuary Arts

Joan Hamilton’s ‘cloak’ is cleverly constructed of used teabags, with the herbal ones creating the pinkish tinges. Paintings and drawings encompass both traditional and modern interpretations of the subject of tea. They include vibrant work by Nannette Randal, and teacups by Sian Foan.

Whatever springs to mind when you think of tea, it is bound to be included in the Any 1 4 T exhibition, at Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa.

A 1m x 1m papier mâché teapot, made by Kim Boyd using a Chinese paper lantern is a centrepiece for the exhibition. It is covered with a tea cosy made of dozens of knitted squares, pompoms and flowers hand made by locals – including children and community groups.

The rest of the downstairs space will feature paintings, including local artist Ingrid Boot’s quirky take on domestic life and watercolours by Patricia Hollis; ceramics, brightly coloured wooden cutouts and a piece by Jeff Thomson in his trademark corrugated iron.

There is a small collection of Crown Lynn loaned by local collectors and some subtle marbling work by Estuary Arts tutor Belgin Bolu who recently came to live here from Turkey.

Arts centre manager Kim Boyd says the cultural aspects of tea, such as vessels, bowls, teapots and rituals are featured.

“Tea is more than just a drink – it’s an important part of many cultures; a way to celebrate, relax, reflect and socially connect with one another,” she says.

Alongside the exhibition is a programme of talks and workshops as well as opportunities to actually drink some tea.

A two-day teacup making workshop will be held by potters Graham Ambrose and Roy Burgoyne and another potter, Elena Renker, will give a talk about tea culture and traditions and types of vessels and bowls.

A range of different types of tea, and accompaniments such as cupcakes, will replace the traditional wine and cheese at the opening of the exhibition, which will be held from 3pm–5pm on Saturday, August 6.

A High Tea fundraiser for the arts centre will also be held during the exhibition.

Any 1 4 T is open from August 6–28 at Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Orewa. It is supported by a Creative Communities grant.