For immediate release 12/11/2013

Quirky, weird Toy Shop opens in Sumner

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There’s a new toy shop coming to Sumner. You can’t buy toys there. In fact you can’t buy anything there. But CPIT art tutor Henry Sunderland says the unusual items in the Sumner Art Window will bring some cheer to people who stop to have a look.

The man who started the flowers in road cones movement to mark earthquake anniversaries has challenged his Certificate in Design students to create a Toy Shop with a difference for their end of year exhibition, which is part of CPIT’s Creative Festival. Sunderland also arranged a colouring-in project for a Sumner shipping container and is also a well-known gnomeologist.

The brief was to create a sculpture unlike any toy in the shops. The students have created works with this unique viewpoint using a variety of materials and skills gained throughout the year. Some of the results are not exactly what you would put under the Christmas tree, at least not for the children.

“The students were pretty positive if a bit confused at the start, but in the end it becomes a weird toyshop with toys for children and adults alike,” Sunderland says.

Post-earthquake morale-lifting is important, Sunderland believes. And art, whether in the form of projects around town or art exhibition spaces in the community, is one way to inspire and entertain. “In regards to Christchurch, we’ve had coloured rocks in vacant spaces, but now we have moved to another level and a lot of young people want to be creative.”

Architecture, live music, visual design, interior design, film, theatre, cultural performance and fine arts are all featured in CPIT’s Creative Festival, from 12 November. See www.cpit.ac.nz/news-and-events/upcoming-events/creative-festival for programme details.

ENDS

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