Ōpōtiki Children’s Mosaic Tiles Leading the Way

The public are invited to attend the official opening of the Ōpōtiki Children’s Art House Mosaic Project in Ōpōtiki township next week.

Ōpōtiki Mayor, John Forbes will officially declare the project open when the artists receive their certificates on 11 July 2013 at 10am at Hiona St Stephens Anglican Church.

Children’s Art House director Shona Hammond-Boys said, “I am excited to see the work of so many children proudly on display in the town centre. The children have worked on the individual art works have something to feel proud of - it will mark their place in the history of Ōpōtiki,” Ms Hammond-Boys said.

The tiles have been produced by students from Te Aria Toka through to Ōpōtiki College. To begin this project a number of summer art workshops were held earlier this year.

“This project puts the children at the centre and allows the children of Ōpōtiki to be recognised in the heart of town. By recognising them, we are making creative and contributing citizens of the future. It is displays like this that earn Ōpōtiki the title of Youth Art Capital of New Zealand.”

Ōpōtiki District Council supports the project. “We are happy to see this addition to the town centre in an art display that celebrates and helps to build on Ōpōtiki’s unique identity,” said Mike Houghton, Parks, Recreation & Tourism Manager.

The project has been sponsored by Creative Communities funding, the Lion Foundation, Eastbay Reap, Quota and New World Ōpōtiki.

ENDS

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