The Wānaka Autumn Art School is underway for 2025 this week, with students now diving deep into learning or fine-tuning a skill or interest.

The once-a-year school gives people the opportunity to step away from their everyday lives for a week and learn about a chosen art form from experienced tutors.

“Tutors come from far and wide to offer courses in the arts,” Wānaka Autumn Art School co-organiser Liz Hawker said.

“Phil Ridgway, [a returning tutor], travels the furthest, coming from Melbourne to offer his very popular book arts course,” she said.

Many other “favourite tutors” have returned this year, she said.

Critically acclaimed author Joe Bennett is teaching writing.

Other tutors are covering a range of art forms: “painting, printmaking, travel photography, drawing from nature and videography.”

“There is always something new to learn for our participants,” Liz said.

The Wānaka Autumn Art School takes place at Te Kura O Tititea Mount Aspiring College, finishing on Saturday (April 26).

As in previous years, the school will be open on Saturday, from 12.30pm-2pm, for the public to have an opportunity to view and learn about the week’s work.

The Wānaka Autumn Art School is a non-profit event run by the Upper Clutha Community Arts Council.

Surplus funds provide scholarships for young and needy artists and the betterment of the arts in the Upper Clutha Community.

PHOTO: Wānaka App