The centre recently celebrated its five-year anniversary featuring 12 East Otago artists in a show themed "Location and Identity".
WCHC representative and exhibition organiser Denise Hutchison said there were about 80 entries of painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture and display boards made by Waikouaiti, Karitane and East Otago High School students about Matariki.
"It’s amazing .. the ‘Children’s Art Exhibition’ is also part of our celebration of five years in our new building. We recently had the adult exhibition and now it is time to celebrate our future artists.
"The timing of the exhibition gives the children the opportunity to visit in the holidays and share their work with family."
Museums needed to not only embrace the past "but also celebrate the future and children are our future", she said.
Matariki marks the Māori New Year and is a time to remember those who have died, to celebrate the present with whanau and friends and to look forward to the future with hope.
The broader period of celebration for the Māori New Year takes place from July 8 to 11, with community and cultural events — such as stargazing, feasting and art exhibitions — running across the country during this time.
"The East Otago High School have the work for sale and we encourage this entrepreneurial enterprise," she said.
The show was organised by Mrs Hutchison with help from volunteers including Palmerston-based artist Zenobia Southcombe.
It is on now and runs until July 31.
