Winter Wonderfest cheesemaking class helps raise funds for Women's Network Whanganui

Sue Jex (right) talks students through the art of cheesemaking.

The gentle art of cheesemaking met other artistic creations in a workshop at Space Studio and Gallery.

Friday's introduction to cheesemaking class was part of the Winter Wonderfest which raises funds for Women's Network Whanganui.

Tutor Sue Jex, of Faisons du Fromage, has been making cheese for eight years.

"We live at Rangiwahia and have milking goats, a house cow and sheep," Jex said.

"I started home-based cheesemaking and made just feta, halloumi and mozzarella for years. About two years ago I started teaching home-based cheesemaking and in December last year I teamed up with Country Trading in Nelson which has cheesemaking supplies and have been able to further develop the classes."

The students in Friday's four-hour introductory class learned how to make feta, halloumi and ricotta.

Space Studio and Gallery is owned by Jex's daughter Sarah Williams and the class was held upstairs among artists' studio spaces.

"It's nice for people to experience the artist's studios in a different way by having Winter Wonderfest events here," Williams said.