The very successful school holiday programme is even more exciting this time around with a couple of new features. Led by Chris Mitchell and Yann Bordier, the OSCAR-supported programme for primary age children will run daily at the Old School Arts Centre from 18 — 22 July.
This time around the inspiration for the arts sessions will be the French artist Matisse, a master of brilliant colour and design whose techniques are readily adapted for children’s creative abilities. This is the first time the programme has introduced the children to a specific artist, giving them a new perspective on the world of
great art.
Asked why she chose Matisse (1869-1954), Yann says there is much in his work to appeal to young people. He was part of the wider modernist movement along with Picasso, and over the course of his life he moved through several phases, exploring the use of bold colour and original forms. In his later years as his health failed,
he developed the technique of building his designs from cut out paper painted with gouache – which the children will learn on the first day of the programme.
Using their Matisse inspired colour and design skills the children will move over the next few days onto screen printing, masque making and working with fabric.
The final day, Friday will be very different in theme — young people from a similar holiday programme in Hamilton will be coming out to join the Raglan children for a quiz based on the town’s heritage trail. This will be followed by a pizza making competition.
While art is always a highlight of the Old School programmes, there are plenty of other activities on offer each day, inside and out. As numbers are limited, bookings are essential — sessions are daily from 9am-3pm. Cost: $17 half a day, $29 per day or $140 for the full week. (subsidies may be available —please ask) Call the Old School Arts Centre 10-2 Mon & Wed or email or go to www.raglanartscentre.co.nz for further details.
