The lure of carving was a hook that pulled a group of Whanganui UCOL students into a new world of art and design, tutor Judd Bailey said.
Nineteen students started a Certificate in Whakairo (carving) halfway through 2013. Yesterday they put together a final exhibition in an alcove of the UCOL atrium in Rutland St, and talked about what they had made.
The show is on until December 4, and the course has been so popular it's likely to run twice next year.
Carving was just the starting point. The students explored weaving, sewing, fashion, printmaking, digital photography, Maori language and the customs of Putiki Marae.
Mr Bailey said they had been absolutely fantastic, and done amazing stuff.