Opening | Consider the Flowers, Margaret Trolove
Join us for the opening of Consider the Flowers, an exhibition of artworks by Margaret Trolove. This exhibition is a celebration of the art of Margaret Trolove (1925-2025), a long-standing member of Whakatere Ashburton’s artistic community. The work in this exhibition demonstrates Margaret’s skilful handling of watercolour, ink and pastel in calm, patient works that…
School Holiday Activities | September-October 2025
We have some great activities running throughout the school holidays for kids of all ages. Check them out below, or visit the Ashburton District Council What’s On page to see all of the school holiday events across our facilities! Shipwreck Treasure Hunt 20 September – 05 October | 10AM-4PM | Free | Drop in Search for…
Opening | Botanical Art Worldwide 2025
Join us for the opening of Botanical Art Worldwide 2025: O Tātou Tipu o Mua – o Ināianei me te Āpōpō, Our Plants – Past, Present and Future. Botanical Art Worldwide 2025 is the second iteration of a project in which artists around the world join together to curate simultaneous exhibitions of botanical art. The…
SS Ventnor
In this exhibition, explore the story of the SS Ventnor, which sank off Hokianga Harbour in 1902 carrying the remains of nearly 500 Chinese goldminers being returned to their villages. When those remains washed ashore, local iwi and hapū buried them, and passed the story down through the generations.
Operation Grapple: We Were There
In 1957/58 the British Government conducted a series of nuclear weapons tests at Christmas Island and Malden Island in the mid-Pacific Ocean. This series of detonations was given the codename “Operation Grapple”. Operation Grapple consisted of 9 nuclear detonations between May 1957 and September 1958. The biggest of the detonations, Grapple Y, was equal to…
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 &…
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 12pm – 3.00pm. Island Breeze welcomes Māori and Pasifika. Kai is provided. Contact Fifita on 027 529 0022 for more details….
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. These are social sessions that encourage you to connect with others through creativity. Be inspired to learn a new creative pastime. Sessions are free and new…
Art Addicts
Art Addicts (AA) is the Gallery’s weekly art space for kids during the school term. Wrap up your Wednesday school day and head to the AAGM to get creative and explore different materials and themes in art. AA is all about a fun, shared learning experience for all who attend. We encourage parents and grandparents…
Kōwhai Mums
Kōwhai Mums is a monthly art group that caters to ethnic and migrant mums/carers, as well as newcomers to Whakatere Ashburton. While this group has an emphasis on engaging with newcomers, any mums/carers with children aged 0-5 years are welcome to attend. Sessions provide a safe and fun environment for mums/carers to relax and socialise…