Making art more accessible

Artist Tom Turner is starting a course to help people appreciate art. Photo/Bevan Conley

Wanganui artist Tom Turner wants to make art accessible to the general public.

To that end, he has started a programme called Art Fix, which begins tomorrow. It's free, and it aims to help people who consider themselves non-artistic to appreciate art - on their own terms.

Mr Turner is known to Wanganui audiences for the Wailing Wall project - a giant sculpture made of used drink bottles and written messages from throughout New Zealand.

"That project helped people to see that they could create their own art," he said.

Mr Turner said he hoped Art Fix would help people "become more curious".

"It would be ideal for those who are interested and curious about art but feel they don't understand it. I want people to appreciate art based on their personal explorations rather than having it rammed down their throats."

Mr Turner will take the first session of Art Fix, but said he would consider guest speakers for future sessions.

The first session will be held at the Quay Gallery above the i-Site.

"I recommend people bring some paper and a pen to make notes and also money for a coffee.". Mr Turner said he hoped eventually people who came to Art Fix would visit the Sarjeant Gallery.

Art Fix will be held at the Quay Gallery, above the i-Site, Taupo Quay, at 2pm on Thursday, June 12. All welcome.