Official opening of new arts centre buildings

A new art studio and a spacious airy kitchen – a wonderful addition to the arts centre at the Old School.
Our long awaited new building is completed and already open for business, but is to have its formal blessing and opening on Friday 10 December.
To be named the St Lazarus Art Studio after its major benefactor, the St Lazarus Trust, the new building has been a major goal of the Raglan Community Arts Council for the past three years, spearheaded by Raglan Community Arts Council chair Rodger Gallagher and the RCAC building committee. Mike Goodison’s design has carefully blended the annexe in with the heritage status main building, and lead contractor Dave Shilton has completed the project on target.
The official opening will pay tribute to the Rickard family, especially to Eva Rickard who in 1988 officially opened the Old School as an art centre.
The programme commencing at 5pm will include a karakia, the gifting of a painting by Simon Te Wheoro, and a performance by children who use the centre for their drama class, followed by drinks and nibbles.
Rodger says the Arts Council has many people to thank: the St Lazarus Trust, the Sir John Campbell Residuary Estate, NZ Lottery Grants Board, Raglan Lions, the Corrections Department for providing community workers to assist with painting and paving, the Waikato District Council for the long term lease and the Raglan tradespeople who have done such a superb job on the building.