Art blooms in Taranaki's regional gardens

Visitors will get to experience a wide range of art, tours and events at three of the region's premier gardens until 10 November.

Taranaki Regional Council’s Pukeiti, Tūpare and Hollard Gardens are returning to the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival’s lineup this year, showcasing a diverse range of local artists and activities across all three gardens.

This year's festival features local fine artist Jana Branca, whose portraits and pop-up studio will be on display at Pukeiti’s Rata Room. The festival provides a unique opportunity to watch the creative process and a way to make art more accessible for everyone, she says.

“Art shouldn’t be this elitist thing that only the highly educated can appreciate. Art connects us with beauty and awe and I believe anyone can experience it, even if they might feel intimidated by galleries.”

Jana is excited to be out of her home studio and be in the special setting Pukeiti provides.

“It’s a real privilege. It’s very rare that you get to see people interact with your work in real-time, as normally you set up an exhibit and go home. This unique setting allows for that interaction, and I find it thrilling to see how people engage with my art.”

The free exhibition runs daily from 10am to 4pm until 10 November. Beyond her exhibit, Jana will run an oil painting workshop on 6 November. This hands-on session offers practical tips learnt over her years as an artist.

“I’ll cover the most common question I get, how to start an oil painting. This will be a low-pressure session and all materials will be provided, so it’ll be fun and insightful.”

Spaces for the workshop are limited and cost $75 per person.

The Garden Festival also brings an array of exhibitions and activities to Tūpare and Hollard Gardens. Highlights include a pop-up café by Stratford’s The Baking Company and photographic displays by Mark Harris at Hollard Gardens. Tūpare will feature a photographic exhibition by Michelle Wilson and live performances from the Taranaki Symphony Orchestra and its ensembles.

Taranaki Regional Council Gardens Manager Stuart Robertson is eager for visitors to experience the gardens at their finest.

“Our gardening team has done incredible mahi over the past few months to prepare for the festival. The gardens are truly at their peak and with the exhibitions, visitors will get to see them in a whole new light.”

For more information, visit trc.govt.nz/gardens/whats-on