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art & culture
There is something about the depth, solemnity and mysticism of the great Whanganui River that fosters an interest in creative cultural talent.
Wanganui artists and craftspeople are inspired by the dark, moody upper reaches of the great waterway. They feel the ancient spirit and soul of the river landscape and reflect it in their paintings, jewellery and craftwork. Once a year the resident artists open their studio doors to the public to put their talent on show.
Every two years during March, the city celebrates its diverse arts community in the Wanganui Arts Festival, embracing the whole range of visual and performing arts.
Wanganui’s cultural heart beats most strongly on Pukenamu, a grassy hill where the last tribal clash occurred in 1832. Queen’s Park now proudly displays the magnificent dome of the Sarjeant Gallery, a fine edifice of pure white Oamaru stone. The permanent collection of 5,000 artworks are beautifully arranged and illuminated by the filtered natural light entering the dome.
This neo-classical building is one of New Zealand’s finest galleries, attracting a wide range of touring exhibitions and displays. North of the gallery is Tylee Cottage built in 1853, which provides accommodation for artists in residence at the gallery.
Opposite the stately War Memorial Hall on Watt Street is the Wanganui Regional Museum. Its collection of colonial artefacts is truly outstanding, including superb Lindauer portraits of early Maori chiefs and priceless Maori taonga (ancestral treasures). A feature is the magnificently carved Te Mata-O-Houroa waka tana (war canoe) which once defiantly cleaved through the dark waters of the great river. The museum’s reconstruction of an early settler’s street scene is very authentic and the variety of ancient moa skeletons is sure to jingle the brain cells.
In all, Wanganui boasts nine art galleries, a School of Arts and two museums. Art lovers can pick up Art and Craft Trail brochures from the Visitor Centre at 101 Guyton Street, which will lead the way to a variety of artists in residence. Be prepared to spend a day or two on the talent trail.
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