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A community art exchange is helping people overcome their fear of creativity.
The Tiny Pieces Project invites the public to make a small artwork and take one in return.
Focused on connection rather than perfection, the scheme aims to make art accessible to everyone from preschoolers to retirees.
Port Chalmers artist and Dunedin Public Art Gallery teacher Libbi Caskey devised the project earlier this year.
"I had this idea about making a community-based art exchange that would bring together everyone," Caskey said.
She began setting up at local markets, supplying materials and blank cards while creating a space for the public to drop by and give sketching a go.
The concept was an opportunity to share her knowledge.
"I see a lot of people who get freaked out by art and I think we are losing a lot of our creativity.
"So I thought, well, one thing I am good at doing is talking about art, so I might as well make the most of it."
The art swap was about meaningful interaction rather than producing a masterpiece.
"I don’t do perfect art. There is no such thing as perfect art.
"It is more about, I suppose, connection than it is anything else and just sitting down and having a go."
She works to guide participants, noting conversation often naturally leads to creation.
"The moment people start talking, they start sort of doodling and artworks can come from that."
Every piece was shared on the project’s Instagram page, democratising the idea of who gets to have their work showcased.
A quick sketch from a professional could sit right next to a child’s drawing.
"I actually think some of my favourite artists are early childhood stuff because they just are so proud of what they do," Caskey said.
The simple ‘make one then take one’ idea provided an accessible way for people to give art-making a go.
"It is more about you being seen as an artist and that every piece of artwork is valid."
"It is just about how we express ourselves as humans, really."
The next Tiny Pieces art swap will be held at the Port Chalmers Library on Monday, July 6, from 11am to 3pm.