Arts Council offers broad winter workshop programme

May 5th, 2012
[by David Armstrong]

The Motueka Arts Council has released the programme for its popular winter Workshop Programme for 2012, which includes an amazing range of 20 arts-related workshop activities.

Workshops this June to August range from screen printing and fabric design, through soap making, terracotta garden art and singing for pleasure to the art of bicycle maintenance.

Last year the workshops were attended by about 300 people, a huge leap from 210 in 2010 which itself was already a record for the series' 13-year history. (See our story here.) Largely this can be put down to the hard work and imagination of the programme organiser, Jane Wells, and the Arts Council team.

This year the workshops represent what is probably the largest range of topics and skills ever, and offer a great opportunity for Motueka people to get out during the winter months and learn and share something new. You can download the programme and registration form by clicking here.

In summary, the workshops offered are: Watercolours - Exploring light and form; Felt hats, juggling balls and other things; Screen printing and fabric design; Fun with Fondant; Machine Mania (sewing); Soap-making; Natural Cosmetics; Cheese Making (Feta, paneer and yoghurt); Oamaru stone carving; Singing for pleasure; Three Monoprinting techniques; Picture framing; Fun with flax, weaving for beginners; Terracotta garden art; Culinary World Tour Banquet; Photography Weekend for Beginners / Intermediates; Joe Bennett's Writing workshop; Shirt Change; and The Art of Bicycle Maintenance.

"These workshops are a very good service to the people of Motueka," Arts Council chair Shirley Frater says. "They are appreciated by the public and tutors in developing skill levels to beginners or experienced participants for benefits in the arts and crafts fields.

"Many people go on to extend skill levels by other means. Some have become tutors or developed confidence to become part-time self employed."

She says the workshops also have benefits to the economy in local businesses, with the use of services and supply of materials. People travel from Nelson and Golden Bay to take part. "With the cancellation of Adult Education in colleges, the Arts Council workshops play a very important part in community learning and mental health."

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