Heather Cunningham

Although she remembers being told as a child that she was “no good” at art, Heather has been involved in the Arts in a number of capacities over her lifetime.

Heather has enjoyed having her hands in clay since her first night class in the 1970’s and since living in Raglan she has been an active member of The Clay Shed. She has served for a period on the Raglan Community Arts Council and currently serves on the Waikato District Council Creative Communities Assessment Committee.

Heather was a member of the Matapihi Gallery Co operative in Raglan and loved working with other artists and creatives and assisting customers, both local and international over the 5 years of her involvement.

Spinning has been a much loved craft for her, inspiring trips to the Outer Hebrides, looking at ancient sheep breeds, and the spinning and weaving traditions of her forebears. She has recently revived the Whaingaroa Spinning Group, with an enthusiastic group meeting regularly.

A Raglan Summer Arts School was previously part of the Raglan summer scene and although no major Arts School activities have taken place for a few years, Heather was motivated to explore the possibility of bringing together experienced Artist/Tutors who hold a connection with Whaingaroa. So that under one roof they will share their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm with students from far and wide in our beautiful, inspiring seaside community.

Welcome to the 2021 Raglan Summer Arts School.

The Raglan Summer Arts School is powered by the creative energies of lots of people, not least the Tutors and other helpers.

We acknowledge the assistance of advisors and sponsors and venue organisers. The creative programs are enhanced by their active involvement and encouragement.

Brian Thurogood

Brian hopped from country to country, here an editor in the southern hemisphere, there a publisher in Europe, a project manager on one continent, a creative director on another.

He has lived in some cultures by choice – from rock music to goth immersion – and in others by design that may not have been evident at the time. Yet all have contributed to Brian’s never-ending involvement in the creative arts in some way, equally comfortable in design as he is in the project management aspects of creating a brand for a customer, or helping create and run a yearly yoga festival.

A Sagittarian, Brian’s travels have been extensive, outward and inward. He’s happy to say Raglan has proved equal to his quests.