What’s New for Summer School of the Arts

What’s New for Summer School of the Arts

The lineup for Wanganui’s Summer School of the Arts has been announced – and includes new programmes as well as the return of popular favourites.

Coordinator Katrina Langdon says some programmes, including Glass Casting (with distinguished glass artist Carmen Simmonds) and Oil Painting (with high profile artist Michael Shepherd), are already close to full.

The week long Summer School of the Arts, run by Whanganui UCOL, starts on 4 January 2009. It features a range of programmes on aspects of painting, sculpture, photography, and glass making, as well as programmes on music, print making, wearable arts, textile art, jewellery, literature and culinary arts.

This year the Culinary Arts programme is back and will be run by one of the country’s most talented pastry chefs, Richard Hingston. Richard has worked at the Ritz Hotel in London and, in a career of accomplishment, was the first New Zealander to win the Academy of France Culinaire de France Excellence in Pastry Award.

Internationally recognised Harmonica player Brendan Power is also back by popular demand.

One of the most unusual programmes covers Mask Making and Relief Sculpture. The tutor is Donna Demente, a Wearable Arts award winner. There is also keen interest in a programme on Botanical Illustration run by award winning artist Jo Ogier.

Katrina says Summer School of the Arts gives people, from New Zealand and overseas, an opportunity to spend a week in historic Wanganui while acquiring or brushing up their creative skills.

“Many people come back again and again. Others attend Summer School because they want to pursue a special interest when they have the time free to do it,” says Katrina. “There really is something for everyone - and you need not be experienced – just enthusiastic!”

Whanganui UCOL’s incoming Principal Julia Pedley says the Summer School of the Arts allows its students to participate in a week of intensive workshops, taught by leading national and international artists in a vibrant and friendly atmosphere of creative production and interaction.

“Our experienced and dedicated tutors are chosen not only for their special knowledge and skills, but also for their ability and their desire to share that expertise with participants,” she says. “Summer School provides a stimulating environment so that people can totally immerse themselves in the creative process.”

This January’s Summer School offers a total of 19 seven day programmes as well as evening lectures by the tutors, which are open to the public.

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