Rotorua artist launches illustrated book about inspirational women

Artist Maggie Covell with one of the illustrations from her book. Photo/Shauni James

The community can put a name to the face of a Rotorua artist at the launch of her new illustrated book which is designed to educate.

The talk and book launch is being held on Saturday December 2, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, in the Monarch Room at Princes Gate Hotel.

It is a free event but there are limited spaces so those wanting to attend need to RSVP.

Artist Maggie Covell says Maggie Covell's Fierce Little Handbook of Women A-Z was funded through the Creative Communities Scheme.

She says, while it is a colouring-in book, it is also like a little feminist handbook and features a collection of different women who were trailblazers, innovative and creative visionaries, and rebels.

She plans to donate copies to Ngongotaha Primary School and is also hoping to get it into other schools.

The cover of <i>Maggie Covell's Fierce Little Handbook of Women A-Z</i>. Photo/Supplied

Maggie says there are seven New Zealand women featured in the book, but she would like to do another book dedicated solely to Kiwi women.

She says the book's purpose is to educate in that if people do not know who the woman are it will prompt them to research and find out.

"I think when you do something visually, like an art book, it can grab a bigger audience's attention."

Maggie says the idea for the book came after doing research on an essay called 'Why are there no great female artists?' during study, and it took her a good six months to complete.

"A lot of them had such an impact at the time but they are not always remembered, and this is a nice way to celebrate them."

Maggie says she will be talking about the project in relation to her practice, and she will share a bit of her background, allowing people to put a face to the name.

McLeods Booksellers is Maggie's bookseller and will be at the event to support and sell copies.

There will be live music from Paul Cathro and The Something Quartet along with nibbles and wine.

If you would like to attend, RSVP by emailing maggie.covell.art@gmail.com.