The Open Artist Studio Project
Te Awamutu Museum has developed a unique opportunity for artists to work with their collection. The Open Artist Studio project offers an artist the opportunity to set up a working studio in one of the Museum galleries and be on site to share their expertise, creative process and market work based on the Museum collection to visitors.
The Open Artist Studio project has three main objectives – collaborate with the Museum to develop a theme in response to objects in the collection; exhibit existing, evolving and new work based on that theme; and present a range of interactive programmes.
“We have an amazing collection full of distinctive taonga Māori and European curios imbued with the social development of the district. Our aim is to inspire creative work and programmes that engage visitors in the districts rich history and culture”, says Henriata Nicholas, Exhibitions Coordinator at the Te Awamutu Museum.
The first Open Artist Studio was opened 21st June in celebration of Matariki 2018. Oriwa Morgan-Ward, a Ngāti Maniapoto artist is the first to take up the challenge. Oriwa has worked for the past three years with the Te Awamutu Museum and the Waipa District Council delivering creative waste minimisation and Māori art programmes for all ages. Her exhibition on show, Pā Harakeke is described as intergenerational learning utilizing traditional knowledge of raranga, whatu korowai, kete and tukutuku, to reflect whānau as ‘te ara wairua’ the spiritual pathway of connection to Papatūānuku.
Pā Harakeke is a multi-layered theme developed in response to taonga Māori in the Museum collection, some of which are on show in various galleries in the Museum. This helps visitors understand the connection between traditional cultural techniques and contemporary manufactured works on show.
“Uenuku is a big part of me connecting back home and following my passion in the arts. I see the Open Artist Studio Project as a way to inspire my work and encourage whānau, hāpū and iwi to engage with not only my mahi but also our taonga in the Museum and the staff who awhi and tautoko them”, says Oriwa.
Visitors have responded positively to Open Artist Studio project and highlight having the artist in the gallery sharing their creative process and connecting the theme with collection objects on show as a great idea encouraging repeat visitation.
“We are really excited to be working with Oriwa who is such a positive and creative activator for Māori arts in the Waikato. Her chosen theme relates to several taonga Māori in the collection that are on show in galleries through out the Museum, along with a special installation in the courtyard to highlight Matariki – Māori New Year. Oriwa has developed a highly successful series of Matariki programmes delivered for July school holidays and has also worked in with our LEOTC education officer to present waste minimisation workshops ” says Ms Nicholas.
Come in and experience Pā Harakeke running from 21st June – 22nd September 2018. Check out our website for Museum opening times.
A co-creative, community led exhibition!
You’re invited to participate in understanding what you want to see in YOUR Museum. You are asked to ‘leave your mark’ with coloured dots, drawings, and messages at each of the colourful stations.
Help us grow the exhibition by leaving your marks! The only exhibition that asks visitors to evolve the exhibition in a participatory way.
On show from 31st March – 16th June 2018
Captivating imagery on show for a limited time!
Phil Brown photographic exhibition curated by the Te Awamutu Museum staff, showing at the Te Awamutu Library, Community Room: Selwyn Lane, Te Awamutu.
every images has a story behind it – a day waiting in the rain for the right moment when the raindrop glistened like a crystal; or a game of hide and seek with a tomtit. A journey with Phil was filled with silence as he was always looking, always listening, always searching through the lens of his camera for a moment in time. Suddenly he would raise his hand to stop and while you had not seen or heard anything he had captured the essence of his subject.
Exhibition open 12th – 25th January 2018
For this exhibition, the landscape is defined as a visual interpretation of the artists’ creative process.
New, emerging and well-known artists who have ancestral connections, work or live in the Waipa district are part of this group exhibition.
Each artist is showcasing their particular area of practice.
Keep an eye on the Facebook page for artist details and events throughout the exhibition!
14 July – 29 December 2017
Dambusters Exhibition created by Air Force Museum
Te Awamutu museum staff believe an upcoming exhibition celebrating World War II’s famous ‘Dambusters’ will be one of its most popular ever.
The museum will be hosting ‘Dambusters: Boffins, Bravery and Bouncing Bombs’ from the Air Force Museum of New Zealand from next week running through until July this year.
The exhibition explores the extraordinary story of the Dambusters raids on the Ruhr Valley dams in 1943. It details the planning that went into the raids, the science behind the ‘bouncing bombs’ and the aftermath for the men involved as well as the Ruhr Valley community.
It also covers the stories of the two New Zealanders who served with this elite unit, including former Waitomo mayor and dambuster pilot Les Munro. Munro was the subject of the TVNZ documentary, ‘Reluctant Hero’.
Museum and heritage director Anne Blyth said the dambusters story is well known with a book and a movie released following World War II. But there was sustained interest in the story and she was expecting the exhibition to be very popular.
“It will primarily appeal to people interested in World War II, the Air Force and military aviation but this exhibition includes fascinating technology and interactive components as well and is very compelling. It will be captivating for all ages.”
“Visitors will get to see the science behind the famous ‘bouncing bombs’, how they modified the plans and will be amazed by the stories of the incredibly brave pilots,” Blyth said.
In conjunction with Dambusters the museum is doing a special tribute to pilot Les Munro running from the opening until April. Special screenings of the classic 1955 film ‘The Dam Busters’ starring Richard Todd and Michael Redgrave will also be held during the exhibition period.
Dambusters will open with a launch event on January 26 from 2pm to 6pm with local singers, games, activities and a chance to fly an Avro Lancaster via iPad technology.
The exhibition closes on July 3.
For updates on the exhibition and details of movie screening times visit www.facebook.com/TeAwamutuMuseum and www.tamuseum.org.nz
Throughout the exhibition period there will be special screenings of the classic 1955 film, Dambusters. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for dates and times of the screenings.
Explosive Exhibition Opening, Thursday 26th January! Click here for more info www.tamuseum.org.nz/events
This stunning touring exhibition by Hamilton based artist Elwyn Stone opens at Te Awamutu Museum on February 1st.
Don’t miss this limited time exhibition!
