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A creative mix of recycled picture frames, community support and young talent has brought to life Rodney’s first outdoor children’s art display at Ravish Cafe, on the corner of Sharp and Matakana Roads.
A Coastal and Heritage Art (CHArt) initiative, the outdoor gallery features vibrant paintings from 16 Matakana School students, aged six to 11, on the theme of “Kai – locally grown and harvested.”
The exhibition began about a month ago and is ongoing.
CHArt founder Kelly Grovehills said they were delighted with the enthusiastic response it had received so far.
“With the annual competition now well established, we wanted to develop new ways to showcase young artists. We loved the idea of outdoor exhibitions – art that the whole community can enjoy, any time of day.”
To make the project possible, CHArt worked with Ravish owner Sarah Willis and Matakana Smokehouse owners Michael and Sophie Randrup-Isbey, who offered their outdoor space for the installation.
Guthrie Bowron Warkworth donated paint while picture frames were sourced from local op shops and community stores.
Importantly, each frame was refurbished and fitted with plywood panels as well as triple-varnished to ensure the artworks could withstand the elements.
Grovehills says this is just the beginning.
CHArt plans to develop two or three more outdoor art galleries in the coming year, with potential sites in Warkworth and Wellsford – each new exhibition will be created in partnership with a local school.
“Every outdoor gallery will be unique. We’ll work school-by-school helping children create permanent outdoor artworks that celebrate their creativity and connection to their communities.”
She adds, “The idea is to give children the chance to explore art in many forms. It’s about participation, learning and joy.”
Next on CHArt’s calendar is the annual schools’ art competition, which returns for its sixth year from October 30 to November 1 at the Masonic Hall in Warkworth.
