Where the World of Dreams and Reality Meet
Providing a wholly creative experience, we are professional artists who exhibit regularly. Not only are we well equipped to provide individual advice and assistance with your artistic learning, but we love showing visitors our unique region and its landscapes which have inspired so many artists.
The Art Adventures Story
After completing a Post Graduate Diploma and Masters in Fine Arts, at Goldsmiths College, London I followed the footsteps of artists Richard Long and Hamish Fulton creating art whilst walking. My documentary and installation exhibitions were the result of walking long distances alone with tent, food and watercolours. It was during these long isolated periods that I began thinking of how I could one day share my love of the unique New Zealand landscape and knowledge of art and its creation.
Years later, after completing a Diploma of Computer Graphics at Natcoll, in Christchurch in 2009, the renovation of my house in Queenstown instigated the development of Art Adventures. Returning to Queenstown I decided to incorporate into the house a studio which Art Adventures’ clients can use should the weather turn nasty, along, with gallery and office.
Art Adventures is operating with the involvement of our inspired tutors. We consider it a privilege to help develop novices and artists with tuition and new ways of approaching a subject or location; and to see their confidence and individual sense of expression blossoming.
I hope you enjoy our art experiences as much as we enjoy creating them!
Alice Blackley, owner, guide and tutor
Environmental Statement
Our aim is to extend a warm Kiwi welcome, while providing you the opportunity to experience the rugged and natural beauty that is New Zealand. Through the use of art, we aim to develop a strong affinity with the environment and encourage the stewardship of these natural environments so that they may remain in this condition for decades to come.
Although our environmental impacts are minimal, as we do exist and operate, some impacts must be created. We take all precautions and initiatives to reduce these to a minimum by:
- Reusing small plastic bags from supermarkets for pencil shavings;
- Reusing small plastic and tin containers as water containers for painting;
- Using recycled paper, non-toxic paints ;
- Minimising fuel usage by utilising locations close to Queenstown;
- Regular servicing and maintenance of vehicles to minimise fuel usage, air and noise pollution;
- Using electronic information and minimising paper in the management of Art Adventures.
Meet The Team
Our Carefully Selected Art Tutors are Professional Artists
We live locally and understand the dramatic light and ever-changing atmosphere of this spectacular region. Find out more about our talented tutors, who are experienced at both teaching and creating. We are passionate about art, the lake and alpine resort of Queenstown and sharing both of these with visitors from all over the world to provide unique art adventures experience. We can provide tuition in English, Spanish and Chinese languages.
Alice Blackley – Owner, guide and tutor
Alice holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Post Graduate Diploma and Masters in Fine Arts. She has been a full–time artist for over 20 years, exhibiting in New Zealand and overseas. She enjoys the opportunity to share her love of art and extensive knowledge of both New Zealand and international art.
Alice has worked at both the National Portrait Gallery and British Museum in London, and was the Arts Trust Director for the James Wallace Arts Trust and Collection (the largest private collection in New Zealand). Combined with a passion for the Queenstown landscape and adventure, Alice offers exclusive and personally transforming experiences.
Alice’s favourite medium for art excursions is pastel, as it is direct, spontaneous and flexible. There’s no mixing of paint, or brush to manage, so there is less chance of failure for the beginner. In addition, a pastel drawing can be completed in three hours—making it ideal for working in outdoors, in changing light and weather.
As an avid and experienced artist, Alice also thoroughly enjoys sharing her passion for art and the local environment—and this is why she is also a regular tutor on the tours and adventures. She is a fluent in the Spanish language.
Feel free to visit www.aliceblackley.co.nz to see examples of Alice’s artwork.
