About us

Life Members: Shona Byars, Pip Macauley (an original founding member) Margaret Bryant, and Kaylene Davidson. Insert: Gladys Booth (absent).

Since 1976, Waikaka Arts & Crafts has provided a wide range of cultural activities for Eastern Southland and West Otago residents.

A bit about our history

The inaugural meeting of Waikaka Arts & Crafts was held on July 5th, 1976 when 19 locals decided to form a group fostering arts and crafts in the Waikaka community. It would provide a gathering place where we could meet and enjoy shared interests. Office bearers were elected and among the usual rules in forming a club, it was decided christian names only and no gossip to be discussed.

The initial subscription was set at $10 to provide a start-up fund. We were fortunate to be able to rent the old shop on the main street, owned by Bill Sutherland, at a nominal rate and set about making it a usable space. Pottery was the first craft demonstrated and shortly after a pottery wheel was obtained. Tables and chairs were donated including a large table gifted from the old Gore Hospital, and welcome monetary assistance from Waikaka Women’s Division and the Variety Club.

The first pre-Christmas sale held on 10th December 1976 was a huge success with cakes, produce, raffles and of course crafts on offer. Local farmers were invited to enter a ‘fleece of wool’ competition with prizes for best fine wool, best strong wool and the Golden Fleece. School children entered a poster competition; and so began the Arts & Crafts night which grew into the Arts & Crafts Exhibition still held annually.

Our Committee

Our organising committee are always welcoming to new members and continue to recruit any person with a passion for art and enjoys being involved with an awesome group who band together to host our annual Exhibition.

Executive
President: Bronwyn Brock (front right)
Meeting Secretary: Kaylene Davidson
Treasurer: Sharon Irwin

Exhibition
Exhibition Secretary: Frances Calvert
Catalogue: Steph Hastie

2018 Committee
Bronwyn Brock, Lisa Anderson, Lynley Hamilton, Maureen Hayward, Jill Sutherland, Caitlin Donnelly, Jan Wards, and Sharon Newport, Judy Dickson.

Life Members
Shona Byars, Margaret Bryant, Gladys Booth and Kaylene Davidson.

Would you like to join our team?
If you are interested in supporting Waikaka Arts & Crafts, please contact us.