A Collection of Art for Everyone in Auckland Art Gallery

I have always believed that anyone can relate to art, be it a small child covered in face paint, an adult reading editorial cartoons or a teenager in love with Japanese animation. Going to museums and art galleries are not just for arts enthusiasts but it is also for every common Tarzan and Jane, like you and me.

The Auckland Art Gallery houses 14,000 artworks which will keep you occupied and far from bored. The Art Gallery has exhibitions, talks, performances, kids’ activities and much more. They are open daily from 10:00am until 5:00pm and entries are free. Located at Corner Wellesley and Lorne Streets, Auckland, they have interactive, 45-minute free tours every day at 2.00pm.

For those who are interested in organised tours for groups, the same is available by arrangement and with a charge. Tours can be arranged at (64 9) 307 7728.

Those who are interested in contemporary art will find the “Call Waiting: A Celebration of the NEW Gallery 1995-2011” exhibit a refreshing collection. Dozens of exhibitions large and small, from New Zealand and from around the world,  from the gallery’s own collection and from a myriad of individual and corporate lenders, from artists and from institutions, as well as new, interesting, surprising, enjoyable and memorable art events. The exhibit runs from 20 November 2010 until 30 May 2011.

There are varied collections of art in the Art Gallery which will cater to anyone’s taste – from modern, contemporary, to little budding artists!

On Sundays from 11:00am and 2:00pm, special art workshops for kids are available at the Art Gallery. The $8 fee per child includes all materials and the workshop is ideal for all budding artists from 5 to 10 years old. Due to the popularity of this program, it is advised for you to come early and booking ahead is necessary. Please call (64 9) 307 4540. They also have art programmes for kids during school holidays, 10am to 12pm, which is a perfect creative avenue for your kids to be occupied. The cost of $12 per child for this school holiday programme includes all materials and light refreshments and is available only for artists aged from 5 to 10 years old.

Art and art appreciation, in all its forms, stimulates an environment that is rich in creativity, sparks conversation, and a very good alternative to dragging your feet to every store in a crowded mall with bored and tired children. Sometimes in life, it all boils down to this one moment: it surely feels good holding hands with a paint splattered child holding his art work under his armpit while discussing with you his art.

Photo credits to Sostark and Freefromkatia via Flickr.