Art events engage tamariki
Youngsters encouraged to let their imaginations run wild during two-week AOS festival
Artists Open Studios (AOS) is fast approaching and this year there is a range of playful opportunities for young people to be part of Whanganui’s biggest art event.
Sport Whanganui, Whanganui District Council, Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui and Whanganui Regional Museum have partnered with AOS to bring“ArtPlay”, a range of family-friendly events and activities to discover and enjoy during the festival from March 15 to March 24.
Kicking things off on Saturday, March 16, is the AOS Block Party on Rutland St from 9am to 2pm. Look out for the eye-catching banners hanging across the street made by local tamariki.
Then grab a map and find hidden clues in artworks across town along the I Spy Art trail. Maps are available from the Whanganui iSite on Taupō Quay.
Between Drews Ave and lower Victoria Ave discover Butterfly Alley, where a flurry of butterflies awaits. You can pick up your own butterfly from one of the artist studios and add it to the kaleidoscope (the name for a group of butterflies – who knew?) throughout the festival.
On Saturday, March 16 and 23, let your imagination run wild at the Creation Station at Ridgway Park (opposite the Rutland Arms). An outdoor space for families to relax — just BYO creativity! The Creation Station will be open from 10am to 2pm each Saturday during the festival.
ArtPlay encourages tamariki and their whānau to be active, have fun and discover hidden creative gems in our central city. Combined with the continued popularity of the Great Whanganui Play Trail and the everpopular Tākaro Play Trailers available for community events, there has never been a better time to get out and play in Whanganui.
For more information about each of the activities, visit the Artist Open Studios website https://openstudios.co.nz/artplay-trail/