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.
Wikipedia Photo Day with Dr. Mike Dickison
Wikipedia takes all its photos from an open image library, Wikimedia Commons. WikiCommons has 117 million freely usable photos, drawings, sound files, and video clips, and your photos could be there too. If you want to learn how to share your photos with the world and have them seen by millions, come along to this…
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…
Workshop | Nature Drawing with Graphite Powder
Learn how to make a botanical drawing using graphite powder at this special workshop with Katharine Allard! First, we will find inspiration in the Botanical Art Worldwide 2025 exhibition, on display at Rokowhiria, Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum until 07 December. Then, we will use graphite powder to make our own artwork. With this technique,…
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 &…
Opening | Dearly Beloved
Join us for the opening of Dearly Beloved | 100 Years of the Wedding Dress! This exhibition features a selection of bridal wear from our collection, representing wedding fashion from the late 1800s and through the twentieth century. Discover the beauty and craftswomanship of home- or dressmaker-made garments, embellished by hand. With a focus on…
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,…
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…