Matariki and family key to Aratoi winter exhibits

Aratoi’s fix on family and Matariki. Did Buzzy fly too close to the stars?

This season, Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History has a group of exhibitions that reflect the concept of Matariki and encourage spending time with family over the coldest months. 

The Main Gallery exhibition Thresholds brings together artworks from the Aratoi Collection as well as significant pieces loaned from across the North Island, including artworks that connect the past, present, and future.

In the Social History Gallery is the exhibition In Recognition, which celebrates people’s achievements, in the way they help others, in competition and in playfulness.  In recognition of an event, for a service, or of a visit, one party will often give a physical item to another to mark the occasion and many of these items are on display. 

In the Wesley Wing, families can take a trip down memory lane and explore toys and games from the last 150 years with the hands-on exhibition Pastimes: Toys and Games.

Supported by Ohnyx IT Solutions and Deco Precasters, this exhibition displays some classic old favourite toys and games as well as introduces some new toys from today.

Popular Wairarapa watercolour artist Jacky Pearson completes the Winter schedule. Going with the Flow is an exhibition of her new watercolour works in the Windows Gallery. 

So come out from the cold, take some time to reconnect to family and reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead at Aratoi.

Winter Exhibitions:

Thresholds:  June – 28 July 

Pastimes: Toys and Games 1 June – 8 September

Jacky Pearson: Going with the Flow 22 June – 18 August

In Recognition 11 May- 28 July

Whiriwhiri: Taonga from the Collection 11 May- 28 July