Pupils draw on museum visit in gallery display

St John's Hill school pupils Messina Sua, 9, and Emma Simpson, 9, show off their impressionist art work. Photo/Stuart Munro

The Wanganui Art Society is busy preparing for a busy few days at the city's annual Vintage Weekend.

Art Society president Rei Hendry said a highlight would be an exhibition at Cooks Gallery by local St John's Hill School pupils.

Ms Hendry said about 50 children would have work on show during the weekend, inspired by a trip to Te Papa.

"We should always have our young people involved in art," she said.

"If our kids see how exciting a weekend it is, they may want to continue with art."

St John's Hill teacher Karyn Schultz said 130 pupils visited Te Papa in November to see the Colour and Light impressionist exhibition.

The show featured pieces by famous impressionists Monet, Cezanne and Renoir.

Ms Schultz said the children were excited to see their artwork in Cooks Gallery.

"They were utterly blown away, they thought it was absolutely brilliant.

"It is linking our kids with the community they live in and this is a real gallery experience for them."

She said about 50 children, aged from 7 to 9, would have work on show, some of which had been pre-sold to friends and family.

The exhibition will be open at Cooks Gallery in Trafalgar Place tomorrow and Sunday between 10am and 2pm.

The gallery would be inviting children to participate in "hands-on art" during Vintage weekend at the gallery, Ms Hendry said.

She said the society would also be opening a new Wanganui-focused heritage exhibition at the gallery tomorrow, and several members would be stationed by the Waimarie during the weekend to show the public their talents.