Autumn art school challenges

Observing the output of the cold wax workshop on the final day of the Wānaka Autumn Art School yesterday are artists Jacky Ferens (left), of Christchurch, and Kay Alexander, of Dunedin.

Now in its 32nd year, the week-long event held at Mount Aspiring College draws in artists of all ages and skill levels from across New Zealand and Australia, with workshops ranging from watercolour painting to fly fishing.

Competition for spaces in each class was fierce, with tickets to the event often selling out within 30 minutes of going on sale and many people getting put on a waiting list.

Ms Ferens said that, like herself, many of those joining the scramble for tickets tried to make the trip to Wānaka each year, as the event was constantly evolving and challenging their artistic skill.

"Once you start, you can’t stop. It’s amazing."