River and Astrid
River and Astrid's Mural: "What Makes Your Heart Sing"
These two budding artists are representing Katikati Primary School with their vibrant and imaginative artwork.
We're absolutely thrilled to announce that River and Astrid from Room 1 are creating an incredible mural titled "What Makes Your Heart Sing." Their mural will be unveiled early next year at the Arts Junction, alongside creations from two to three other local schools. As part of an Open Air Arts project, this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the creativity and passion of our young talents. We can’t wait to see their masterpiece and share it with our community!.
The Birth of Katikati Open Air Art
Katikati Open Air Art (KOAA) was established in 1989 to promote the town during challenging times. With the recent share market crash and a struggling kiwifruit industry, Katikati faced many economic issues, including numerous empty businesses and the looming threat of a bypass. A group of dedicated volunteers, inspired by the small Canadian town of Chemainus, and led by local art teacher June Carlton, embarked on transforming Katikati into New Zealand's Mural Town.
A Legacy of Art and Festivals
The first mural, “Waitekohe School,” was created in 1990, sparking a wave of artworks that saw 21 murals completed by 1996. That year also marked the first Mural Town Magic festival. Today, Katikati proudly hosts the biennial NZ Mural Contest & Art Festival, celebrating the community’s rich artistic heritage and continually growing in both participation and quality.
For more details on Open Air Art click on the link
