Art in Action, on this weekend at Michael Park School in Auckland, is an evolution of the traditional school fair. Instead of a bake sale, patrons donate money to participate in art and lifestyle classes, highlighting the links between lifelong learning, schools and the community.
Renee Liang talks to one of the organisers, Meiling Lee.
* * *
How did you come up with the idea of Art in Action?
It was based on the idea that we are fascinated when we see an artist doing their work. Therein Art in Action was born. We want people to participate in art and craft, as well look at art works in the Gallery. Of course, we will offer delicious food as an accompaniment to the art.
Are the artists donating their time?
Yes, they are. We are very grateful for their support of Art in Action and feel that it is a very unique offering to the public to have over 40 artists in one location. We are blown away with their generosity for sharing what they do.
How are you (and others) associated with the school?
I am a parent volunteer, part of a committee of parent volunteers, led by the Rudolf Steiner School’s Trust. We want to raise money to renovate Michael Park School’s Auditorium, so that it can be opened up as a Community Facility.
Do you see this concept as a new way for schools to raise money?
Events are not a new way of raising money for schools, but we do see our event as having a dual purpose. We also want to share the arts with the community in a way that is accessible for the public to try out many activities in one day.
What are your top picks for workshops?
My picks are many and will have to come back the next year to try them all.
Brett McGregor's cooking demo
Julian Bartrom's jewellery slide show
Jan Sang's chocolate workshop
Jan Leonard's Calligraphy
Beverley Findlay's Pastels on Paper
Sophie Lankovsky's Raku Firing
Sofia Athineous's Glass Process
Brad David's Hip Hop
Michael Park School's Craft Groups
Will art also be for sale?
There will be a full Gallery with art works for sale, as well as an auction of some special pieces at 4pm.
How can we better use art as force for social change? (your personal ideas)
Art has the courage and opportunity to look past what has been handed down to us. It all begins with an idea that turns into form. It invites us to search past the right answers to the unanswerable questions. Art education should encourage us to develop habits of observations and imagination. Have you ever been challenged by an utterance of a sentence in a play, a stroke on a painting, or your breath taken away by a sculpture or your world is turned upside down by a piece of music? We, the creators are driven to respond to the world in new ways. We need to offer ourselves this avenue.
How long has this taken to organise, and will you be doing it again?
We started the project late last year with an idea. We added and prodded the event to the current format. We have received requests from artists to want to participate but we just could not fit them in this year. They will definitely feature with us for next time.
What are your top tips for others who want to organise something similar?
Start early with the organising and have a committed core group who can drive the event. Have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and double the time allowed.