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The humble Kiwi gumboot is the star of an exhibition and fundraiser this month at Estuary Arts Centre.
The arts centre is challenging the community to upcycle a gumboot, or create gumboot-themed artworks for the exhibition.
Twenty pairs of gumboots have been provided by Mahurangi Wastebusters to start things off and are available for anyone to decorate or use in their art.
Members of the arts centre’s mosaic class are turning plywood that was destined for the skip into boot-shaped wall hangings.
Artist Pauline Baker of Ōrewa is making miniature gumboot brooches using appliqué and felt, and John Martin has made clay gumboots.
All artworks will be sold with proceeds going to the mental health charity I Am Hope.
Gumboots have become a symbol for I Am Hope, because “having depression is like walking through mud every day”.
The organisation is holding its annual Gumboot Friday fundraiser on May 28. In 2019/20, $2m was raised to fund counselling sessions for Kiwi youth.
Gumboot art can be entered in the Estuary Arts show until May 10.
The exhibition is on from May 12-30.
Info – drop into Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Ōrewa, phone 09 426 5570 or visit www.estuaryarts.org
