Gallery Open : Monday - Friday : 10:00am - 2:00pm
MEET AWHITIA TAVIONI
aka. Mama Awhitia
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Awhitia Tavioni is Mikes wife and a renowned master carver in her own right.
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Awhitia’s talent was nurtured and grown through Mike's guidance and encouragement.
Awhitia and Mike’s door has always been open.
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She has her own signature style and is a proud custodian of Cook Islands heritage and reo (language).
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Awhitia creates functional artworks that promote the mana and beauty of the Cook Islands .
Before the gallery existed, visitors would come to Mike and Awhitia home to learn carving.
The formation of a purpose-built space where this could be done with more room and
functionality was simply an extension of a practice they have
always catered for out of their own home.
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Today, Gallery Tavioni and Vananga is a cultural arts centre, a creative workshop,
an education facility, a hub for artists, friends and family.
Come connect and create with us.
Carving VakaConnecting generations to our Cook Islands heritage | Papa Mike & AwhitiaMake use of today | Pareau BoardsPerpetuate, practice & protect traditional life skills | ContemplationCherish your origin |
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Carving a PaddleStay the course for tomorrow |