Hauraki artist Gemma Antoniadis is running a school holiday programme this April, aimed at the creative kids of the region.
The three-day programme, aimed at 5-13 year olds, is the first step on Gemma’s path to her long-term goal.
“Eventually my heart wants me to have an art school,” she said.
“I’m dyslexic and for me art was everything. I just drew, drew, drew; from the second I could hold a pencil I could draw. And it just never stopped.”
Gemma is currently in training as a primary school teacher, and regularly brings art into her classroom.
“Art and colour is so important to things like literacy and maths and things like that… colour sticks in your brain,” she said.
“So I decided that okay, if I want to teach art I need to do a teaching degree so I can do it properly.”
This school holiday programme will be a trial run, Gemma said, with plans for more in the future if it all goes well.
“I want to test out what it would be like in Paeroa to have an art school, and what the interest is,” she said.
“And when you look around this area, there aren’t many creative holiday programmes [available].”
The programme will be “totally creative”, Gemma said, with one big project to work on each day.
First up are decoupaged paper lanterns, followed by collage painted landscapes and perspective work.
The course will wrap up with each child decorating their own giant 3D gummy bear sculpture.
“And they’re going to go home with some really cool pieces of art.”
DETAILS: Gemma Antoniadis’ Holiday art programme will be held on April 13-15, from 8.30am-3.30pm at Netherton School Hall. Spaces are limited; contact Gemma at gemmascraftycanvas@gmail.com for more.
