Whakawhanaungatanga- an exhibition by two Ngai Tahu wāhine, Cherry Peeti-Tapurau and Selina Wakefield who tell the story of Maori and depict the interconnectedness of us all through their major art forms of carving and weaving.

Cherry Te Peeti Hoera Rangi Whakaewa-Tapurau is of Ngai Tahu, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Rangitane and Nagti Kahungunu descent.

Known as Cherry Peeti-Tapurau, Cherry has an amazing story as a cancer survivor, and has been creating artworks for over 30 years in various mediums ranging from chalk pastel drawing to canvas oil paintings, through to glass, tile, copper, wood, mortar, up-cycling down-cycling, basically anything she could lay her hands on, was a potential piece of art in her eyes. She learned the language of pounamu in 2009 under the tutorage of Te Kaha and his whanau.

By the combining of her many years experience in various genres, this exhibition of 3 pou by Cherry is most unique. Her traditional and yet contemporary interpretation of the story of Maori will be explained at the opening on Saturday 31 March beginning from 10 am. There will also be a few smaller works by Cherry.

May I suggest you start planning your trip to Wanaka or a nearby town for Easter, so you can attend this unique exhibition.

Please join us
10 am EASTER SATURDAY 31 March 2018

beginning at 10 am
on the quadrangle on the cnr of Ardmore and Helwick Sts
continuing in the gallery until 11:30 am when the gallery will then be open to the public
The exhibition will conclude Fri 20 April at 4pm.

Selina Mary Wakefield is of Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Kere, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Irakehu descent.

Selina has been an artist for many years, having been taught the art of rāranga, whakairo and matauranga Maori by her well-known parents, Alan and Maureen Wakefield. in 2016, she gained a Post Graduate Diploma in Heritage and Museum Studies, and now is a curator.

The art of weaving will be the focus of this exhibition where she will be exhibiting paki (cloaks) which are both wearable, as well as unique living art pieces you could hang on your wall.

"As a Kaitiaki for Taonga Maori, my primary passion has been in the care of, preservation and conservation of Taonga Maori."

"Weaving allows me to create contemporary pieces using traditional techniques and resources. Weaving through my parents, Kaumatua and Rangatira - they are with me every step of the way guiding and assisting, as I weave my own thoughts and ideas within each piece."

Selina Wakefield.