summer art
intensives
This Summer, immerse yourself in a hands-on, inspiring art experience!
Our Summer Art Intensives are designed for artists of all levels to explore new techniques, develop your skills, and push creative boundaries. Whether you're looking to refine your craft or try something entirely new, our intensive workshops provide personalized guidance and a supportive environment.
featured workshops:
A Taste of Chinese Dance
Tuesday 14 January
10am-2pm
$55
Tutor: Yiling (Elaine) Chen
Join dance practitioner Yiling (Elaine) Chen for the immersive "A Taste of Chinese Dance: Day Workshop"
In this bilingual 4-hour workshop, Yiling will introduce you to the fundamentals of Chinese dance, blending traditional rhythms with modern elements for a dynamic learning experience.
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In this workshop, you'll learn to:
Explore the rhythms of the body in Chinese dance.
Master key gestures and poses for expressive movement.
Understand aesthetic concepts central to Chinese dance.
Practice a Chinese dance phrase.
Experience a fusion of Chinese and contemporary dance styles.
You'll also experience how Chinese dance works on the body — a seamless flow from breath to movement, from walking to dynamic progression, and from a natural body to one that moves with intention and aesthetic beauty. This process invites participants from all aesthetic backgrounds to reflect on their own movement and expression.
This workshop is perfect for beginners eager to explore the beauty of Chinese dance and its cultural richness.
No prior experience required – just bring your enthusiasm and creativity! Simple costumes and props will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. Limited spaces available. 16 years +
A Taste of Chinese Dance (entry level) (体验中国舞 （初级）):
Bilingual teaching（双语教学）
Welcome to bring costumes if you have any - simple gears will be provided （欢迎携带⾃⼰的服装道具，活动会提供简单服装）
the rhythms in body（中国舞身韵）
gestures and poses （舞姿与造型）
aesthetic conceptions （美学观念）
a Chinese dance phrase （中国舞练习组合）
a contemporary Chinese dance fusion （与当代舞融合)
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Yiling (Elaine) Chen is a dance practitioner. Graduated with a bachelor degree from Unitec dance in 2015, and employed by Unitec dance school from 2017-2021. During this period she has been working with NZ leading dance artists and choreographers. Yiling has been exploring cultural elements in dance and other sectors, she implements the diversity in her practices and productions.
Recent Projects include; “Letter from an unknown woman (2024)” Pumphouse Theatre
“瑶光赋 Ode of Benetnasch(2024)” for TV Channel 33, and Huaxing Gala Night at Sky City Theatre
“Tokimeku” 20th April 2024 at Uxbridge Arts Center, solo dance performance for Coral Noel Yang’s exhibition
“Idle” 2023 a quartet by Wynand Claassen WDance company
“Equinox” 2023，duo dance performance for New Zeland Chinese Film Festival
“Tai-Long-Wang” 2023, choreographer for Huaxing Gala Night
“Unfurling” 2023, solo dance performance for Coral Noel Yang’s exhibition
“She Shi (涉事)” 2018 by Michael Parmenter, choreographic assistant
“Chuyi· K New (初⼀）” 2018, showcase producer
Abstract Expressions Workshop: Embracing Raw Edges and Fluidity
Saturday 18 January
10am-2pm
$95
Tutor: Coral Noel Yang
Join award-winning artist, Coral Noel Yang, for the highly anticipated Raw Canvas Abstract Painting Workshop: ''Abstract Expressions: Embracing Raw Edges and Fluidity".
In this 4-hour workshop Coral will guide you step by step through her unique method, which blends the Soak-Stain technique with Asian Water-Ink traditions to create stunning abstract paintings.
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In this workshop, you'll learn to:
Tap into your intuition and paint with feeling.
Create fluid, dynamic marks and build layered compositions.
Apply design principles that enhance any painting style.
This workshop is perfect for both experienced artists seeking spontaneity and beginners wanting to explore the joy of creating. You'll embrace a playful mindset, honor your artistic voice, and rediscover the joy of tactile creation.
Workshop highlights:
Right-brain exercises to unlock your intuition.
Acrylic wash techniques for organic marks and translucent layers.
Abstract design principles to create dynamic compositions.
Finish a ready-to-frame or simply hung, unique painting on Raw Canvas!
Limited spaces available – materials provided! No experience needed—just bring enthusiasm! 16 years +
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Coral Noel Yang, an Auckland-based contemporary painter, skillfully merges Soak-Stain techniques with Asian water-ink traditions to create vibrant abstract and landscape art using acrylics. Drawing inspiration from Aotearoa, her global filmmaking experience, and her Chinese-Japanese heritage, Coral's works are characterized by luminous hues, expressive marks, and whimsical brushstrokes that capture the essence of nature and the depth of human emotions. Enthralled by the unpredictable beauty of fluidity, she seamlessly blends intuitive material play with meticulous design. Layers enriched with watermarks and organic shapes—often formed by manipulating paint against gravity—are traversed by purposeful lines that signify the passage of an emotional pilgrimage. Her paintings evoke a profound sense of wonder and belonging, resonating both locally and internationally.
Since 2021, Coral has held several successful solo exhibitions in Auckland, including Unfurling (2023) and Tokimeku (2024). She was invited to showcase her work at The Auckland Art Show (2024) and Art in the Park (2024). Coral received the John Wells Award
at the Emerging Artist Awards hosted by Upstairs Gallery in 2023, was a finalist for the Craigs Aspiring Art Prize, and was honored with the Inspirational Aotearoa Award at the 37th Trusts Awards in 2024.
See her on Instagram: @coralnoelyangart
Writers Day Retreat - Cancelled
Join bestselling novelist Dominic Hoey for the Writer’s Day Retreat on Saturday, January 18th, 2025. This full-day retreat will start with Dominic guiding you through a series of writing exercises and prompts to deepen your craft, develop compelling characters, and enhance your storytelling, followed by quiet, immersive writing sessions in the afternoon to apply your new skills.
This retreat is open to writers of all genres and experience levels. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned writer, it offers a chance to dive deep into your craft. Held in the historic Jubilee Building, with the Farmers Market in the morning and the vast Domain nearby for a refreshing walk, you’ll have the space to focus and push your creative boundaries. This is the perfect opportunity to turn the page and begin a new chapter in your creative journey.
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Start your day with a burst of creativity during a 3-hour session (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM), where Dominic will guide you through fun prompts and exercises to help you develop rich, compelling prose. These exercises are designed to bring depth to your characters, sharpen your storytelling, and open up fresh writing techniques.
After lunch (1:00 PM – 1:45 PM), it’s time to dive deep! From 1:45 PM to 5:00 PM, you’ll have the space to focus on your writing with stretches of uninterrupted time. This is where you’ll apply what you’ve learned and let your creativity flow in a quiet, supportive environment. Light refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon to keep you fueled.
And if you’re in the zone and the words are flowing, there’s an opportunity to stay on until 8:00 PM! Keep riding that creative wave and stretch your writing to new heights.
This is a time to immerse fully in your work, focus deeply, and apply the techniques you’ve learned. Surrounded by fellow writers, participants will have the chance to push themselves and explore their craft without distraction.
Spaces are limited. 16 years +
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Dominic Hoey is a poet, author and playwright based in Auckland, New Zealand.
His two novels, Iceland and Poor People With Money were New Zealand bestsellers. Iceland was long-listed for the 2018 Ockham Book Award. He’s released four successful poetry collections, including I Thought We’d Be Famous and most recently The Dead Are Always Laughing at Us.
In 2019 he co-founded Dead Bid Books (DBB), a small press publishing writers who sit on the margins of the New Zealand publishing industry. To date DBB has published 13 books and become a mainstay of the New Zealand independent publishing industry.
Dominic is also the founder of Learn To Write Good, a creative writing program teaching craft to people who don’t have access to formal education. Since 2017 he’s taught 1000’s of students across New Zealand and overseas.
In a former life, Dominic released four rap albums and was an MC battle and slam-poetry champion. He’s performed his poetry in Australia, Europe, England, Japan, Canada and America.
He is currently working on his third novel, 1985, due out on Penguin in March 2025.
The Village Square Trust The Village Square Trust would like to thank Waitematā Local Board for the funding to make these workshops possible.
