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.