In style of trade exhibition

Press, 6 December 1985, Page 25

In style of trade exhibition

The New Zealand Craft Slhow opens in Christchurch today, at Canterbury Court in the Addington Showgrounds. The three-day show will be opened at 12 noon by the Minister of Overseas Trade and Marketing, Mr Mike Moore, and will continue until 6 p.m. tonight. Over the week-end, the hours will be 10 a.m, to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.itn. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Exhibits have come from throughout New Zealand, from as far afield as Auckland and Dunedin, and nearly all the goods displayed are for sale. They are selected “on merit and diversity” by the organisers of the show who — in most instances — go to see the work of those applying to be part of the show.

Either that, or the crafts people bring them samples of work to see, or send photographs, according to Fiona Dunkley, one of the org anisers. “ Exhibitors are also selected by their displays at previous shows, as presentation is increasingly important,” she says. “ We offer a $lOO prize for the best display, and many of the exhibitors now go to the trouble of getting in builders — it’s becoming more like a trade show.”

The criteria for selection are: how well it is made; how different it is; how well

it is presented; and how well it sells.

“That’s another point. Since everything is for sale, it’s important that they have sufficient stock to maintain a representative display of their work throughout the show.

“Where praticable, they’re encouraged to put on demonstrations, too, especially on the Friday and Saturday mornings when there are fewer people and the demonstrations won’t draw so much of a crowd that the display is obscured, to the detriment of sales.”

There is no mark-up on the goods, as the organisers charge exhibitors only for the display space, and do not take a percentage on sales.

There are 67 booths at the show, and about 30 different craft disciplines. “With many of the stands shared, there are more than 100 crafts people exhibiting,” says Fiona, “and they must be there at their

booths, so visitors can talk with them.

“We try to get anyone who’s interested in working with his (or her) hands. We even had a blacksmith once.”

The range includes stained glass; porcelain, pottery, and terracotta; miniatures; silk scarves; tapestry; quilts and quilted pictures; patchwork; knitwean weaving, macrame; rugs; cushions; soft toys; wooden toys; wooden lamps and bowls; sculpture; decorative ceramics; jewellery; willow baskets; lace; children’s clothing; woodblock prints; picture frames; boxes; brass and copperware; traditional Christmas decorations; porcelain and pierrot dolls; kites; greenstone carving; pewter; and musical instruments.

The craft show is an annual event in an increasing number of centres. This one is the third show in Christchurch and the 10th show in all.

“This year, we’ve had shows in Palmerston North, Hamilton, Wellington, Auckland and now Christchurch, all organised on a national basis, and we’ve had about 120,000 people attend the shows so far, since we started in 1983,” Fiona says. Last year, under the former title of “Canterbury Arts and Crafts Affair,” the Christchurch show attracted more than 9000 visitors.

“Each show is different from — and better than — the one before,” Fiona claims, “and there are now so many people applying for booths that we can afford to select only the very best workmanship.” “We include entertainers, such as musicians and facepainters, for example, and we sell health food rather than hot dogs to sustain our visitors, since that’s more in keeping with what we have on display at the show.” The admission charge is $3 for adults, $1.50 for senior citizens, and 50c for children (5 to 15 years).