Dearly Beloved | 100 Years of the Wedding Dress
Weddings are a traditional rite of passage; ceremony overlaid with religious significance and cultural expectations. Befitting the occasion, bridal clothing may be ceremonially symbolic in colour, textile, or style, but also follows the fashion of the day and evolves, as traditions do, over time. This exhibition features a selection of bridal wear from our collection,…
Opening | Documenting our Heritage
Join us for the opening and awards ceremony for our new exhibition, Documenting our Heritage: Mid & South Canterbury. Over the summer, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga’s photo competition encouraged photographers to capture locations on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero across Waitaha Canterbury. The resulting exhibition showcases an impressive selection of images submitted by…
Documenting our Heritage: Mid & South Canterbury
The diverse and beautiful Mid & South Canterbury regions are home to 223 entries on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. Over the summer, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga’s photo competition encouraged photographers to capture these amazing listed locations across Waitaha Canterbury. The resulting exhibition showcases an impressive selection of images submitted by photographers ranging…
In Plain Site: Memorials and their Stories
From traditional monuments to functional buildings, and even living trees, public memorials take many shapes and forms. In Whakatere Ashburton many commemorate wartime sacrifice, while others acknowledge colonial settlement and industry, or the original site of the famed mātai tree, Hine-Paaka. This exhibition tells the stories behind local memorials, who created them and why, using…
Island Breeze
Join us for our monthly Pasifika wāhine art and craft session in Ashburton! If singing, chatting, and art sounds like your cup of tea, come along on the third Thursday of every month from 1pm – 3.00pm. Island Breeze welcomes Māori and Pasifika. Kai is provided. Contact Fifita on 027 529 0022 for more details….
Art Addicts
Art Addicts (AA) is Rokowhiria’s weekly art space for kids during the school term. Wrap up your Wednesday school day and head to the Gallery and Museum to get creative and explore different materials and themes in art. AA is all about a fun, shared learning experience for all who attend. There is no need…
Able Art Collective
Able Art Collective is a supportive space for individuals with disabilities to explore, learn, create, connect and express themselves through art. Sessions are held on the second Wednesday of every month from 9.30 am – 11.30 am. Bookings are required – please register by emailing aagm@adc.govt.nz Run in partnership by the Ashburton Art Gallery &…
Kōwhai Kids
Kōwhai Kids is our monthly art group for children aged 0-5 years. Join us once a month for a relaxed session where kids can engage with fun sensory art activities, while parents chat over tea or coffee. These sessions are a great opportunity for parents and guardians to meet others from Whakatere Ashburton, and for…
Sunday Studio
Sunday Studio is our weekend art group for adults! Join us once a month to explore a new art technique and socialise on a Sunday afternoon. Each month will have a different focus, and whether it’s printmaking, ceramics, or something in between, our Learning and Experience Lead, Katie, will be there to help you master…
Two O’Clock Tours
Every Sunday, our wonderful Front of House assistant Jacqui will be running tours of Rokowhiria. Whether it’s showing you around the building, or providing insight into a specific item from our collection, these tours are a great opportunity to ask questions and learn something new about our facility and current exhibitions. Every Sunday | 2pm
In Colour
In Colour is a great way to unwind and relax with like-minded people. Bring along your art and craft projects to share with others over morning tea once a month. New members are always welcome. We will supply basic colouring-in sheets and materials, along with tea, coffee and a biscuit or two. We encourage those…