Shining a light for Matariki

Kaikohe artist and gallery owner Sasha Wilson is among those preparing to shine a little light on winter courtesy of Matariki.

In her case it’s through free workshops creating light sculptures with upcycled household objects at Te Pu o Te Wheke tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 2pm each day.

The workshops will pave the way for the main Matariki event, an art trail through Kaikohe on Friday next week (June 21).

So far eight businesses are on board, Sasha said, and would be illuminating their shop windows with sculptures.

“Part of this celebration is the coming together as a community and having fun making light sculptures,” she said.

“We’ll be taking everyday objects and adhering lights to those objects.”

The gallery, which is now a charitable trust, moved premises recently, directly opposite the old premises next door to the Four Square store. Sasha said the new home, which included two gallery rooms and separate spaces for workshops, meetings, mirimiri [massage] and rongoa¯ Ma¯ori, was”fabulous.”

The community had been the driving force behind the venture, with help from Wally Te Huia, from Wipe Out, who donated the grey paint for the floor and white paint for the walls.

To register interest in the workshops or art trail contact Sasha at cortinautegirl@gmail.com or (022) 409-9645.