Opening | Marilyn Rea-Menzies & Natchez Hudson
Join us for the opening of two new exhibitions! Nature’s Symphony: A Visual Journey through our Forests by Marilyn Rea-Menzies displays the artist’s detailed drawings, paintings, and tapestries depicting the abundant life found in our indigenous forests. Panthalassa by Natchez Hudson showcases exquisitely painted mountain ranges, inverted and floating in fields of colour, examining contemporary…
Artist Talk | Art Meets Science
At this special talk, Rokowhiria Curator of Art, James Hope will introduce artist Natchez Hudson and Professor James Shulmeister from the University of Canterbury, School of Earth and Environment, Faculty of Science, for a conversation exploring art, time and changing landscapes. Hudson will begin by speaking about his work, followed by Professor Shulmeister, who will…
Matariki herenga waka: A mooring place for all canoes
In celebration of Matariki in 2026, the national theme Matariki herenga waka – For everyone welcomes all people to reflect on the year passed and prepare for the new year ahead. While national celebrations are held in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland – known as ‘the gathering place of many canoes’ – Whakatere Ashburton is also a…
Poetry Jam with a slice of David Elliot
Over the last few months, we have collected all sorts of amazing poems from our visitors inspired by The Word Witch. To celebrate, join us for a morning of poetry performances with illustrator David Elliot! At this special event, poets of all ages are invited to read their Witching Words poems aloud. Come along to…
Heritage Talk | Ashburton Fire Museum
To celebrate the opening of Sharing Histories: Gifts of 2025-2026, join us for a lunchtime talk on local firefighting history presented by Ashburton Fire Museum. As part of this event, we will highlight the story of Lionel Charles (Charlie) Solway’s fire service hat, one of the objects donated to the Ashburton Museum and Historical Society…
Tapestry Workshop | Marilyn Rea-Menzies
Join artist and teacher Marilyn Rea-Menzies for a two-day tapestry workshop (10am-4pm) suitable for beginners and those with some tapestry weaving experience. Participants will develop a simple contemporary design using coloured paper collage and drawing, create a small cartoon to guide their weaving, learn how to warp a tapestry frame loom, and practise basic tapestry…
Opening | Heather Sarin
Join us for the opening of the exhibition Our Connection to the Natural World by Ashburton-based artist Heather Sarin. Paying close attention to her surroundings provides a starting point for her creating, and her practice encompasses both purely abstract and figurative work in mixed media. Deriving inspiration from natural rhythms, Heather’s art can be seen…
Caught in the Moment: Guardian photographs of 1976
What moments in time did the Ashburton Guardian photographers capture around Whakatere Ashburton throughout 1976? This selection of photographs from our large collection of Guardian negatives will take you on a journey across various aspects of life in our district 50 years ago. Although some of these images were published in the daily newspaper, most…
Heritage Talk | Q&A with Trevor Cullimore
Join our Social History Curator Louisa Hormann and Trevor Cullimore in a Q&A session to celebrate the opening of Icon: 50 Years of the Ashburton Clock Tower. Trevor’s engineering expertise allowed the clock mechanism to be fitted at ground level in 1976. This talk will be a fantastic opportunity for visitors to ask Trevor questions…
Witching Words: A Poetry Competition
Witching Words: A Poetry Competition invites visitors of all ages to step into a world where language shimmers and imagination leads the way. Inspired by the playful poetry of Margaret Mahy and the evocative illustrations of David Elliot, this competition encourages you to create your own poem using words, rhymes, and ideas drawn from the…
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…