Free Childrens Classes at Papakura Art Gallery

(PR.co.nz) If you’re wondering how to keep the kids entertained over the long summer break, wonder no longer as the Papakura Art Gallery is coming to the rescue with free children’s art classes.

Gallery Manager Emma Hintz says that this year’s summer classes offer something for all kinds of creative kids.

“We have two different workshops on offer to inspire young visual artists and wordsmiths alike. The classes are linked to ‘Here Comes the Sun’, a group exhibition that explores summer. Children will be able to explore the artwork, ideas and mediums which surround them in the exhibition.”

Tutor Kate Hart says “working within the gallery allows children the first-hand experience of seeing and thinking about art, giving them the inspiration to explore their own ideas. This is a great opportunity for kids to have fun in a meaningful environment and walk away with their own artwork”.

The footsteps of summer starts with a workshop where children can brainstorm ideas about having fun in the sun, then takes them through the process of turning those ideas into a mobile made up of several small artworks made using paper, crayon, vivid pens and dye.

Round like a ball looks at all of the different ways of describing the sun and the role it plays in our lives. Children can come to this class to write a poem about the sun, and then turn their words into a work of art.

The free art classes are in response to public demand for more interactive art activities after the huge success of Make Your Mark, where parents and children were encouraged to paint on the gallery walls.

“We can’t paint on the walls again now that the space has been refurbished, but we think that the classes are another great interactive art experience that Papakura children will really enjoy,” says Mrs. Hintz.

What: Free children’s art classes
Where: Papakura Art Gallery
When: Fridays 14 -28 January and 4 – 11 February
Cost: Free
Registrations: Are essential – please phone 297 7510 or download a form from www.papakuraarts.co.nz. Class sizes are limited to ten children per class.

Classes:
The footsteps of summer – 9.30am – 12.30pm (Ages 6 – 8 years)
Round like a ball – 3.00pm – 5.00pm (Ages 7 – 10 years)

Media Release 8 November 2010 from Auckland City Council.