First-time UCOL exhibitors show versatility at Edith Gallery

Art student Hinepuaraurangi Hawira with some of her works on display at the Edith Gallery this week. Photo/Stuart Munro

A display of miniature planters with succulents growing inside catches the eyes of visitors entering UCOL Whanganui's Edith Gallery.

A closer look reveals the planters are tiny human skulls fashioned from clay and glazed in blue and white.

They are the work of student Hinepuaraurangi Hawira and she has fashioned each one individually.

"I started playing with the clay and noticed the skull shape so I kept going and made a series of them."

Hinepuaraurangi's other work in the exhibition includes paintings and prints.

A row of "trophies" on the wall includes a black swan, a flying pig and Hinepuaraurangi's gazelle all fashioned from polystyrene and papier mache.

All the work in the exhibition has been created by students on the first Certificate in Art and Design course.

UCOL Whanganui is offering the Level 3 programme which includes graphic design, animation, printmaking, painting and sculpture modules for the first time this year.

At the end of the 17-week programme, students have their work exhibited in The Show.

Visual arts lecturer Leigh Anderton-Hall said the first course has gone well and students have produced some excellent work.

"The students range from the age of 16 to mature students and it is a course for anyone coming straight from school as well as older students.

"The new Level 4 Certificate in Art and Design starts on July 24 and that will include drawing, photography, graphic design, painting, sculpture plus art and design history modules.

"The classes run from 9 to 3 each day and that course has the same great tutors from the Creative Industries art and design programmes."

Hinepuaraurangi says she is moving to Napier but feels inspired to continue with Level 4 art and design study.

The Show: Edith Gallery, Whanganui UCOL Campus, 24 Taupo Quay. Open weekdays.