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…

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,…

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…

This summer, we have free activities running every day! Drop in anytime between 10am and 4pm to get involved. Check out our list of activities below, or see our What's On Guide   Holiday Decorations 17 December - 24 December Get creative at our holiday craft station! Use a variety of fun tools and techniques…

Where oh where can they be? The Santa Hunt is back, with a twist! Starting at Rokowhiria Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum on December 17, join us for our special late-night Santa Hunt. Bring your torches to search high and low in the Museum after dark - we’ll be giving spot prizes for our best-dressed…

Join us for an artist talk with printmaker Kathy Reilly. In the summer of 2021, Kathy travelled to the Subantarctic Islands on a research expedition. For thirteen days, she trained her artist’s eye on these dramatic, isolated environs. The outcome of this voyage can be seen in her solo exhibition Peregrination: A Sub Antarctic Odyssey.…

In western fashion, the white wedding dress came into vogue with Queen Victoria. For various reasons, though, brides have chosen to wear other colours. At this special talk with Dr. Jane Malthus titled Not always white: coloured wedding dresses as fashion and anti fashion, we will explore the history and themes of alternatives to the…

At this practical workshop, learn how to protect and preserve your special garments for future generations. Bring along a special garment such as a wedding dress, Christening gown or treasured textile. Share its story and learn techniques developed by museums for safe storage, gentle handling and long-term care. You will take home your own museum-grade…

In this Cultural Awareness session, you will learn about Afghan culture and discuss basic social protocols to help you interact with clients, whānau, and friends. The session will be led by Whakatere Ashburton local Nuria Abdullah. All are welcome – nau mai koutou katoa! Organised with Welcoming Communities and Hakatere Multicultural Council