'Adult-Free' Art Exhibition Visits Waikato Museum

Young art enthusiasts will have the chance to view and purchase affordable art works by national and international artists when the 25th Muka Youth Print Exhibition visits Waikato Museum this weekend [8-9 October].

An annual event, each year the Muka Youth Print Exhibition tours a new collection of 40 original prints by leading artists to venues throughout New Zealand, with the aim of introducing young people aged 5-18 years old to art.

In recognition of the closing of the Muka Gallery in Auckland, this year’s exhibition has been dubbed ‘Muka Grand Finale’.

The exhibitions are ‘adult-free zones’ and give children and young adults the chance to enjoy and select art based purely on their own tastes, without any adult influence. During the exhibition, artists’ names and signatures are covered over to avoid selections based on the fame of the artist or potential for financial gain.

Waikato Museum Director Kate Vusoniwailala said the exhibition is a unique and popular initiative which encourages young people to trust their own instincts when it comes to art.

“The great thing about the Muka Youth Prints Exhibition is that young people have the chance to select an artwork solely because it appeals to them. Many have walked out with artwork by some very well known artists over the years and have the pleasure of knowing it was entirely their own choice.”

Muka Grand Finale will be held from 12pm-4.30pm on Saturday, 8 October and Sunday, 9 October. Entry is free and open to those aged 5-18.

Visit www.waikatomuseum.co.nz for more information.