If you haven’t yet been along to the Old School Arts centre to see the exhibition of work by students of the Maori Visual Arts programme, Toi Paematua, you have until 25 November to enjoy this impressive and beautiful display.
The students have completed their second year with tutor Heeni Kerekere, working in a variety of media including
raranga, clay, stone and paint. The 15 students, who are based for their regular weekend workshops at Poi Hakene marae, have also spent time with several well known local artists in their studios, and their influence can be seen in some of the students’ work, though always with a new and original twist.
Lucretia Perkins’ lovely sculptures-in-clay of women and children, Heleina Hetaraka’s vivid multi-media bird Kaiwhakaaraara, Virginia Knowles’ clay pots with harakeke, all appealed — but every viewer will find a dozen other pieces to love among the carvings, clay sculptures, vivid wall panels and much more. It is well worth taking the time to read the description of each item to understand the story, legend, or sometimes a poem behind its creation.
The exhibition is open daily at the Old School in Stewart Street between 10am and 4pm.
