An arts programme with a lineup of experienced and talented tutors has been released for Wanaka’s 31st Autumn Art School.

The once-a-year art school gives people the opportunity to step away from their everyday lives for a week and dive into learning or fine-tuning a skill or interest, with help from experienced tutors.

The 2020 art school would have been the 31st, but coordinators Robyn van Reenen and Dennis Schwarz made the “tough call” to cancel it on March 17, after Australian tutors were unable to attend and a number of registrants pulled out because of the COVID-19 restrictions.

This year’s art school will run from Monday April 26 to Friday April 30.

Classes will include writing, painting and drawing, stencilling, photography, singing, jewellery, textiles and fly fishing. 

“For this, our 31st annual school, we’re delighted to offer you an exciting programme with highly talented tutors from New Zealand and Australia. Some are new to us, others are returning from previous years,” Robyn said.

Singing tutor Julian Raphael will return this year.

“We look forward to a stimulating week in the stunning autumn environs of Wanaka – an opportunity for learning and exchanging ideas and techniques as well as meeting a variety of people with diverse interests.”

Robyn said the school will be able to go ahead at alert level one. If that alert level changes, people registered at that time would receive a full refund.

“People who were registered for the 2020 school ... were given preferential booking rights and consequently several classes have only a few spaces left,” Robyn said. “However, it is well worth going on the waiting list if you miss out.”

The Wanaka 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. 

Find the programme here.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App