Mental Health Awareness Week | Sketching Nature
Taking notice of the things around you is one of the key ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ explored during Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW). This year, join us for a special MHAW event where we will practice taking notice by sketching nature in the Ashburton Domain. Drawing in nature can be a meditative practice, allowing us…
Sharing Histories: Gifts of 2025-2026
Each year items are donated to the Ashburton Museum and Historical Society collection. Through this process, Rokowhiria Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum acquires new treasures to be cared for, researched and displayed. Sharing Histories presents a selection of objects, archives and photographs newly acquired in 2025-2026. These were assessed, accepted and preserved by our collections…
Icon: 50 Years of the Ashburton Clock Tower
In 1976, Whakatere Ashburton prepared to celebrate the county’s centenary and welcome back an old familiar sound – the chiming of its town clock. Manufactured in 1903 and commissioned in 1904, the clock was removed in 1946 and placed into storage, with no certainty as to its future. Thirty years later, a small team of…
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…
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…