The Wānaka Autumn Art School has wrapped up for 2024 and ideas are already brewing for next year’s event.

Event co-organiser Susan Manson said students ended the week both “happy and tired” after an immersive five days learning all about a new art form from experienced tutors.

The art school culminated with an open day on Friday (April 19) where members of the public got the chance to head along to see the students’ creations.

Susan said a “stream of locals” visited to see the new works in disciplines including indigo dyeing, painting, mixed media and more; and students in the singing class performed for the visitors. 

Laura Gledhill travelled from Alexandra to participate in last week’s art school, in the coloured pencil and graphite drawing class. She said she wanted to immerse herself in the week-long art school as she finds it hard to find the time otherwise. 

The long-running art school is now in its 32nd year and the 2024 iteration went “really well” overall, Susan said.

There was lots of good feedback from new and returning students.

“Everybody produced something they were really happy with.”

Each year the organisers mix up the classes and tutors to provide variety and Susan said she and co-organiser Liz Hawker are already starting to think about next year’s tutors. 

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

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

PHOTOS: Wānaka App