The Apii Avarua Dome is a display of colour featuring art and craft pieces designed and made by the students.

The project is spearheaded by Metua Vavia, head of art curriculum, who has always been keen to have the school do an art exhibition, says Apii Avarua principal Engia Baxter.

Baxter said: “Metua is the driver of this art project. We have started with this first exhibition which we can learn from and make it better for the next one.”

“Although we did not have all the resources available, we made do with what we had.”

The display shows pieces of different art forms which include: pastels, paper cutting patterns, colouring, block printed pareu, ball string art, wearable art, recycled art, craft designs and more.

Vavia said: “I am happy and proud with what the kids have produced, it’s awesome.”

“Each child has their own talent and through art they can express their passion and their passion for their culture.”

Apii Avarua intermediate teacher Marie William said this art project was a dream of their head of art division “to showcase art from the kids to the school”.

“She inspires us to do more and try more things for our kids, and for us, we inspire each other.”

William is proud of the painted and crafted pieces on display. She said the students have learnt more about the blending of colours.

“Art pushes creativity for our children where they can express themselves, something that they can tap into,” said William.

“There really are no boundaries in art and it’s good for our students to try another form of expression, and some students have been daring enough to try our popular motifs.”

William said she felt the pride in the students, pride in their identity as Cook Islanders and in their culture.

“When they were producing their pieces, the kids still went back to local motifs, things they identify with which is another way of promoting our culture.

“I would like to encourage our parents and iti tangata to allow our kids to express themselves in the different forms of art.”

Year 8 student Lurlin Tekorona painted a kaute (hibiscus) flower using a pencil and Indian ink, finishing her piece with pastel paint.

Moana-Sky Napa, a Year 6 student, decorated a photo frame designed with shells in a pattern of her choice.

“I’m happy with my design, and I really enjoyed our art project,” said Napa.