Community artwork on display
A community-driven art exhibition is being set up this weekend to help show off the hidden talents of Wānaka's creatives.
Independent Wānaka artist Chrissy Wicks, took it upon herself to gather local artistic talent of all ages and showcase their work at the annual Community Hub exhibition.
It all started with her work alongside Wānaka Primary School students, helping them create a Festival of Colour installation at the Dinosaur Park.
With a passion for fostering creativity, Ms Wicks did not just want to create art but encourage both children and adults to get their work out there, no matter what it was.
"I really enjoy doing big art, but I also really enjoy teaching other kids or encouraging kids and adults to get involved in art," she said.
As part of her work with the primary school she helped the senior students paint different seasons on recycled timber and pine cones to decorate the Dinosaur Park for the Festival of Colour.
She was now taking the installation and exhibiting it at the Community Hub this month.
"It's just another opportunity to really promote and encourage kids to do art and for them to see it in a gallery space."
In addition to her work with the primary school earlier this year, Ms Wicks was also involved with Art in Nature, a community art workshop held at Wānaka Station Park over five weeks earlier this year.
The idea behind the workshop was to encourage mental wellbeing by talking a walk through the park and gathering material such as pinecones for an artistic creation.
"I like to encourage people to go into nature to do art," Ms Wicks said.
Students from this workshop would also be exhibiting their work this month to give them a sense of accomplishment over their creations.
These artworks will be exhibited for all of August as well as other community art groups who will continue their displays through till October.
Community Hub co-ordinator Jan Ballam said they would also be hosting groups such as Print Makers Wānaka, Mint Art, and Wai Wānaka with Photography.
"These groups will exhibit freely as they are some of the hardworking non-profit groups in Wānaka," she said.
The exhibition will be on display Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm, starting after this weekend.
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