Class Art: Taupo Primary School, Taupo  

A school of personalised rainbow trout

In June 2011, Te Papa Discovery Centres Hosts went fishing for rainbow trout; and returned with a quite a catch!

There, DC Hosts Allanah and Duncan met the students of Room 17 and helped each student to craft a rainbow trout that represents both themselves and their region.

We began by talking about what made each student, and their town, special. Then we walked to the Taupo lakefront where we collected materials to decorate our fish. The next step was to make a rainbow trout using plaster bandages in a pre-made mould. This was the most challenging, yet enjoyable, part of the process for many of the students. Then we added a background, lots of colourful paint and, finally, we collaged on some of the things we had found at the lakefront. Can you see some bits of pumice?

The whole class of students made this entire school of fish in only one week; and had a whale of a time throughout.

Come into Inspiration Station to see the artworks and to get to know our young artists by checking out their profile book!