In conjunction with learning about Puanga/Matariki we visited the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. Our adventure started by catching the city council bus. On arrival at the gallery we met with Chris Barry the classroom educator. Chris took us on a walk through the Len Lye exhibit to the Puanga/Matariki exhibit. Where we examined a sculpture created purely by crossing of sticks. Our tamariki then used ice block sticks to create stars using the same crossing technique in the sculpture. We moved to examine another sculpture created out of carved wood with Chris drawing our attention to the shapes in the design. This time our tamariki experimented with black painted plastic film and a nail to carve star patterns. These were best looked at by holding up to the lights. We then visited the gallery classroom where using clay everyone created their very own taonga pendant to take back to kindergarten to dry.

What a wonderful morning we had exploring the community, learning more about Puanga and Matariki, examining shapes and sculptures and fostering our creativity.

Visit to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery