Artwork of all sizes, colours and forms created by Bethlehem School students will be on display this week, for staff, whānau and the wider community to enjoy.

The school’s art exhibition, being held on September 20 and 21, is based on the theme ‘Ngā Taonga’ or ‘Our Treasures’.

This theme has been interpreted by each of the school’s 450 students, from Year 0 through to Year 6, and turned into over 1,000 individual and collaborative pieces of art.

Bethlehem School Principal Catherine Neidhardt says that the students have been hard at work for the last two terms, creating pieces of art inspired by local artists and their own surroundings.

“As part of our preparation for the art exhibition, we were fortunate to have local artists visit our kura and take workshops with the children so that they could learn some great artistic techniques and really let their imaginations run wild about how the theme ‘Ngā Taonga’ could be translated into visual art pieces,” says Catherine.

“It has been wonderful to witness the artistic journey all of our students have been on and what they’ve created both on their own and collectively.

“The children are very excited and proud to be sharing their creations with the community this week. From pottery, paintings and photography to digital installations, sculptures, clay work and floristry. The range of creativity and talent shown by these young tamariki really is impressive.”

Local florist Lizelle van Blerk helps Year 1 student Elise Barrie with a floral creation. Photo: Supplied.

Catherine says the school usually holds an art exhibition every three years, yet due to Covid, it meant that there was a delay in hosting the event.

“This is a well-loved community event by people of all generations, so we are very much looking forward to welcoming people into our school to celebrate our children and the visual arts.”

Catherine says, as in previous years, each exhibition brings an opportunity for the whole school to get together to create something as a collective.

“Our installations reflect our motto, ‘Taku rourou Tau rourou. Ka ora ai tatou; With your contribution and mine we will flourish’.”

The Ngā Taonga Art Exhibition is being held at Bethlehem School’s Hall, 66 Carmichael Road, Bethlehem, and will be open to the community on Wednesday September 20 from 8.30am-4pm and Thursday September 21 from 8.30am-6pm.

Entry is by gold coin donation, and children must please be accompanied by an adult.