First Thursdays Auckland debuted in St Kevin’s Arcade on 3 Dec last year when Cleo organised a line-up of artists including painters ranging from street style to pop surrealists, Brazilian dancers and even a glass blower to captivate what turned out to be a more than 900-strong audience of onlookers and buyers who turned up throughout the evening.
The 2010 schedule for First Thursdays Auckland kicks off on Thursday 4 February with a similarly impressive line-up of artists featuring exhibitors such as Amy Walker whose work is described as a cross between Picasso and pop art, Frida Kahlo-inspired crafter of jewellery Miriam Ramos and live hip hop-based band Numbers.
“It’s a platform for emerging artists who may not otherwise get into galleries which gives them confidence," says Cleo, “and it’s fun for established artists, because it offers them a different type of space.”