This Youth Week the creativity of young people has been celebrated in Central, boosting mental health and wellbeing and community connections.

A special event showcasing the visiting Te Papa giant squid exhibition captured imaginations of the district’s younger creatives in Alexandra on Thursday (May 22).

The Central App attended the ‘Night at the Museum’ and talked to a few younger residents about art and why they think fostering creativity is important.

Mckenzi Hamilton (12) said being creative was satisfying and a great way to make new friendships.

Arlee Sutherland (12) agreed and said painting brought her a sense of calmness. 

Amelia Bell (12) said she enjoyed creating colourful art alongside friends.

Friends McKenzi Hamilton, Arlee Sutherland and Amelia Bell get into some painting.

An interactive neon art station, face painting, museum clue hunt and a night sky photography tutorial inspired visitors and many took away work and ideas for their next piece of art.

Puna Rangatahi youth worker Courtney La'ulu decorates a youngster with neon paint and sparkles. PHOTO: The Central App

Local artists Katie Robinson and Jen Olson volunteered to help youngsters in one of the creative areas, in the Heafy Gallery, where Jen’s exhibition ‘Between Sittings’ is currently showing. 

Both Katie and Jen said it was fantastic to see so many rangitahi and tamariki exploring the treasures inside the museum and having fun together. 

Puna Rangatahi youth worker Courtney said it was cool to see the event come together with a solid turnout and she hoped to improve upon this in future Youth Weeks.

Alexandra Primary School pupils Blake and Flynn (both 9) creating an under the sea biscuit with blue icing and lollies. PHOTO: The Central App

A night sky photography tutorial was held for those aged year nine and over, and chief executive of Winterstellar Andy Davey shared tips. 

The Youth Art Exhibition was inside the Alexandra Library (near the Teen section) during the week and at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery; this was collated and supported by Puna Rangatahi, Dunstan High School and the museum.

Selected DHS pupils from year nine and up had art displayed in the two venues. 

There was a range of media and techniques including lino print and locker door paintings, architectural sculptures from recycled cardboard materials, totem (whakapapa sculpture), and figure sculptures using wire, wood, plaster bandage and adhesive.

DHS pupils art adorning the library during Youth Week. PHOTO: The Central App

Lino print locker door paintings exhibited. PHOTO: The Central App 

If you missed the Night at the Museum event the giant squid’s stay in Alexandra has been extended until June 24. 

Founded in 2011 Puna Rangatahi (Alexandra and Districts Youth Trust) is a not-for-profit organisation, supporting young people in Vincent Ward, Teviot Valley, and the Maniototo.

Read more: Youth Week to foster creativity and confidence.

Read more: Giant squid exhibition in Alexandra.

PHOTOS: The Central App

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