4 August 2004

Exciting August Workshops At Manurewa Community Arts Centre

The warmer weather is about to descend upon us, so why not prepare for the warmer months by getting creative and discovering a new hobby to keep your life interesting, as you leap into spring!

In August there are some fascinating short courses and workshops running at the Manurewa Community Arts Centre, each unique in their own right as well as a change of date for one adult class. The 'This Old House Series 1 - Kitchen and Bathroom Design', listed in the latest Arts in the City catalogue (page 23) as 2 August is now commencing on August 16. The schedule for all other programmes remains unchanged.

Of particular note is 'Digital Photography', a 6 week course which starts 10 August. Photography for Kids is a 4 week course open to ages 10 -13 years and starts on 26 August. Other short courses for adults which start in the second half of Term 3 are 'Mosaics' on Monday evenings starting 23 August and 'Decorative Glass Painting' on Wednesday evenings beginning 25 August.

An exciting line up of weekend workshops is available in August and September. A day workshop with Gillian Elmslie on 'Soft Stone Sculpture' is offered with a choice of two dates, Wednesday 18 August or Saturday 11 September. At a cost of $70 plus $20 extra for materials, students will complete a sculpture in one day using the soft stone method, working on
experimenting and modifying their ideas as the stone hardens. A tiring but very satisfying experience.

Drawing the human head is a difficult skill but under the expert tutelage of artist and teacher Darren Keith, you can develop your portraiture abilities at a workshop on Saturday 7 August at a cost of $55. Participants will need to supply an image to work from plus their drawing supplies, and will be taken through drawing and tonal techniques that will make their drawing look realistic.

Keen students can progress onto an extension class with Darren, for a two day painting workshop on the week-end of 21 - 22 August. Working either in oils or acrylics, students will complete at least one piece with this renowned artist whose unique paintings, ceramics and woodcarving on the human condition can be seen on display in private and public installations throughout NZ. The fee is $110 with some extra materials required.

Singing enthusiasts can pursue this interest at 'Drop in and Sing' with Fiona Ferens, soprano soloist and voice teacher, on Saturday 4 September for $25. Participants will learn rounds, easy part songs and fun rhythms plus some vocal techniques from an expert and all voice types are welcome. At the end of the workshop a short performance will be held to show off newly learned skills to families and friends.

The above workshops are just an example of the incredible range of classes available for residents at the Manurewa Community Arts Centre throughout the year. For more information please phone the Nathan Homestead on 267 0180, and for details of others classes available see the latest Arts in the City brochure from your nearest library, arts centre, or website www.manukau.govt.nz

ENDS

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