We also celebrate a special new connection. The Ngākau Carving Symposium have kindly shared for sale some of the incredible carving and stonework made at this year's event. The symposium is a two-week live-in workshop of sculptors and carvers, held annually in Thames in April. Now in it's 3rd year it is going from strength to strength, so mark it in your calendar for next year. Also in Thames one of the other 'connections' we have made is with a talented collective that run 'Vessel' a gorgeous newish gallery found at 752 Pollen St, Thames. It is well worth a visit. Many of their collective have joined in the exhibition in the spirit of Matariki. 
Marti Wong, a member of the Vessel co-operative also brought his incredible dragon Khordashi to guard the Awatea gallery and watch over the Matariki show. He is also for sale! - Everyone needs their own dragon after all! Come on in to see for yourself & hear more about these creative groups, including the Matamata Art Club who also brought work in or look either of them up on Facebook by name. We hope to host all of these talented groups again someday in dedicated exhibitions of their own and continue to strengthen bonds for creatives around the wider region.