Over the recent school holidays, Te Kōputu hosted a series of exciting art classes inspired by its current group exhibition, Bloom.

Glenda Rainy and Jo Black, both trained primary school teachers and the architects behind the innovative kids group, Art Power, took the opportunity to encourage local children artistically by not only practicing art, but thinking and talking about it. The teachers, both practicing artists in their own right, were ecstatic about the outcomes. “The attendance was fantastic, and there was real buzz and energy in the room, with outstanding results,” they say.

Participating kids were taken on a botanical journey through Bloom and then asked to give their opinions and ideas about the artworks on show. That process supported the next stage of the workshop, creating colourful artworks on themes around spring.

Each child, ranging in age from four to 12 years old, took home a colourful and unique artwork, ready to be hung at home. Feedback about the experience from parents was very positive, with many indicating that the class had “spurred new ideas and creativity”.

Anyone interested in signing their children for the next holidays should check whakatane.com for details about a week before the holidays start.

For information about the Art Power classes currently available, contact Glenda Rainey on 027 481 5936, or Jo Black on 027 252 9386.