Autumn Art School proves popular

Autumn Art School event administrator Liz Hawker, of Wanaka, on April 18, 2023. PHOTO: ODT FILES
Autumn Art School event administrator Liz Hawker, of Wanaka, on April 18, 2023. PHOTO: ODT FILES
Wānaka’s Autumn Art School returns in April, with a range of fare — but people need to get in soon.

The school will be held this year from April 15-19 at Mount Aspiring College.

There will be a range of five-day workshops for adults, with classes in painting, drawing, singing, writing and photography.

Artist Liz Hawker said it was an opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills in a supportive and creative setting.

The watercolour painting, mixed media, book arts, printmaking and drawing workshops were all full already and had waiting lists.

Those wishing to enrol in other classes were encouraged to do so soon to avoid disappointment.

This was the second year the school had used an online booking system offering a streamlined process for registration, she said. The details and bookings are on the website autumnartschool.net.nz

Tutors for the school come from New Zealand and Australia.

Some returned often to the school, and there were some first time participants. 

Wānaka was the ideal setting for the school, Hawker said.

"Autumn in Central Otago is often settled and the trees colour up to make a vibrant setting."

Many saw the school as an annual activity and some tutors had been coming for many years, though new classes were added to the programme each year.

This year, Maria de Jong would be offering a non-fiction writing course focused on organising memories.

"For many, there are family stories to be told and this class will offer tips and strategies for organising memoirs."

Janet Mathews, of Australia, would focus on drawing from nature.

"Her techniques are detailed and she uses pencil and colour in her work."

As well as offering classes, the tutors at the art school also gave short talks after class which were open to all art school participants.