Art & creativity  |  6 Jun 2019

An inventive and innovative Christchurch Art Gallery activity book that aims to influence and inspire youngsters is a finalist for the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

Created and written by Christchurch Art Gallery Publications Co-ordinator Sarah Pepperle, Art-tastic has been named among the top books in the non-fiction category and also nominated for the best first book award.

It encourages creativity, connections, and curiosity in art, targeting eight to 12 year olds.

“We wanted to be bold and break the mould when it came to engaging children in the wonderful world of art,” Christchurch Art Gallery Director Blair Jackson says.

Creator Sarah Pepperle and her award-nominated book, Art-tastic.

Creator Sarah Pepperle and her award-nominated book, Art-tastic.

“We believe that Art-tastic can inspire a new generation of art lovers.

“Obviously, that vision has been recognised by the New Zealand Book Awards finalist spot.”

Packed with ideas, activities and questions to answer, Art-tastic includes work by Rita Angus, Steve Carr, Martin Creed, Tony Fomison, Michael Parekowhai, Zina Swanson and dozens more.

Ms Pepperle says the concept for the book was sparked by her daughter.

“I’d given her a couple of art activity books that didn’t hold her attention,” she recalls.

“Like most kids, she likes things that are a little subversive. So I started tinkering around with ideas for an art book with attitude.

“I wanted to introduce these phenomenal works of art from our collection to kids, and break down the big concepts to a size that a young reader could understand.”

Ms Pepperle worked with Aaron Beehre, senior lecturer in design at the University of Canterbury’s Ilam School of Fine Arts, and three graduates on the “free-wheeling design”.

“It’s all about connecting children with art, and having fun along the way,” she says.

From zombies to blood splatters to “A Page Totally Devoted to Poo”, it is a great “assault on good taste”.

Art-tastic has already been recognised with the Best Children’s Book award at the Museums Australasia Multimedia and Publication Design Awards in Australia.

It has also made the Storylines Notable Books 2019 list.

The New Zealand Book Awards winners will be announced in August.

The overall award, the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year, carries a prize of $7500.