This collection of 15 projects offers children aged 7 and over a range of unique Maori art experiences. Practical skills cover sculpture, photography, design, paint, mixed media, collage and more. Easy-to-follow instructions include illustrations of the steps involved, using everyday craft materials, recycled and found objects. Examples of taonga (treasures) created by leading contemporary artists are shown alongside each project with a brief explanation of the object, its purpose and use in the past and present. While teaching as a museum/art gallery educator, the author had numerous requests from parents, teachers and educators over the years for ideas on how they could teach art and Maori culture to their children. These projects have been compiled in response to those requests, along with research and observation about how children connect with art. By engaging in these projects children will recognise that art takes many forms and can be enjoyed by everyone. This book will appeal to anyone looking for art activities that focus on Maori art and culture, and will suit both girls and boys. An emphasis on upcycling means that the ideas are accessible to the budget conscious without compromising on quality. Parents, grandparents, caregivers, primary school teachers, early childhood educators and community youth groups will find it a valuable resource.

Author Biography

JULIE NOANOA (Te Aitanga a Hauiti) has worked as an education specialist at City Gallery Wellington, Pataka Art Museum and Te Papa, where she developed a number of online digital learning resources for art exhibitions including Monet and the Impressionists, Rita Angus and Brian Brake. Julie has a background in primary school teaching in Maori medium education and a Diploma in Graphic Design, and recently started postgraduate study in education at Victoria University. NORM HEKE (Nga Puhi, Ngati Kahu, Te Arawa) is a photographer and digital artist, and has been an imaging specialist at Te Papa for over 20 years. His most recent work was for the book Whatu Kakahu / Maori Cloaks (Te Papa Press), which was selected as a finalist in the 2012 New Zealand Post Book awards. Norm's first independent solo exhibition, OMGs: Maori Gods in the 21st Century, is currently touring New Zealand.