Artist Oriwa Morgan-Ward will present a series of fun-filled workshops at Te Awamutu Museum in December.
A series of workshops running at Te Awamutu Museum in the lead-up to Christmas are aimed at offering people ideas around festive crafts based in Māori culture and contemporary art.
Toi Oriwa Creative public programmes are planned for December 16, 21, 22 and 23, led by Putaruru-based artist Oriwa Morgan-Ward. They are aimed at all ages, and the resources needed are covered by workshop costs, but booking is essential as the numbers able to attend each workshop will be limited.
Oriwa has an arts degree and a diploma in adult education. She regularly leads community and holiday workshops at the museum; a recent series she fronted in July focused on Matariki. This time, she is aiming at presenting fun-filled creative activities for all ages.
The December 16 workshop, which has two sessions and is entitled Tī Rākau, will see participants design their own tīrākau and learn the waiata in Te Reo Māori along with actions to the game. The second workshop offers two sessions on December 21; participants will be given their own hine or tama paper dolls through which to learn about traditional Maori clothing and accessories.
Two sessions on December 22 will focus on poi making. Participants will make a set of poi, then learn the waiata in Te Reo Māori and accompanying actions. The final two sessions, on December 23, will teach basic Māori design inspired by kōwhaiwhai and whakairo carving patterns. Participants will then make a badge using those designs.
Each of the workshop days runs the first session from 10am to 12 noon, and the second from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Three of the workshops cost $5 per person per session, while the workshops on December 21 are free.
The workshops are design to use creative ways to encourage the understanding of Māori art, promote Te Reo Māori and support learning through creative activity. More information, and bookings, are through the Te Awamutu Museum.
