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CONNECTING COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE COROMANDEL PENINSULA Issue 1200 | 10 March 2026 | Proudly locally owned and operated
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Valid 12/3/26-14/3/26
ART ESCAPE GALA OPENING
The Coromandel’s finest creators BY SARAH-JANE LEE
T
he 20th anniversary of the Mercury Bay Art Escape commenced with a soldout, sparkling Gala Opening on Friday, 6 March, 2026, at the Hot Waves Café, at Hot Water Beach. The evening was a masterclass in community camaraderie, officially launching the Coromandel’s premier art event with a blend of local pride and high-calibre creativity.
A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION AND INSIGHT The gala served as a poignant milestone for the trust, celebrating two decades of bringing art into the light. Lee Carter of Bayleys, a long-standing supporter of the event, stepped into the role of Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Carter, a Director at Bayleys based in Thames, guided the proceedings with the professional warmth that has come to define the partnership between the real estate firm and the arts community.
Adding a layer of iconic New Zealand prestige to the night was keynote speaker, Dick Frizzell. As one of the country’s most celebrated artists, Frizzell’s talk resonated deeply with the audience, bridging the gap between high art and the unique "Kiwiana" psyche that many local artists draw upon for their own work. Continued on page 3
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Artists, sponsors relaxing before group photo, note Bayleys key sponsor and MC for night sitting on the floor; Dick Frizzell at Hot Water Wave Cafe Mercury Bay Art Escape keynote speaker.
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