Batik by Ann Hay

Exotic batik wall hangings on display.

Everything from native New Zealand birds to African animals will soon be on display at the Taupō Museum as part of an upcoming exhibition by Ann Hay.

Hay’s exhibition features original batik wall hangings. Batik is the art of decorating cloth using wax and dye.

The exhibition showcases a range of subjects including New Zealand mountain, lake and rural scenes.

Hay lives in Taumaranui but was born in England and grew up in Kenya. She spent 25 years in Africa and said she enjoyed drawing animals in the game parks using oils and pencils. An art gallery suggested she take up the art of batik as it was an easy art form for tourists to roll up and take home, so Hay taught herself the craft and over the years has created her own technique.

Exhibitions officer Kerence Stephen said the works were intricate and detailed, and beautifully demonstrated high-quality batik work.

“The variety of themes in Ann’s wall hangings means there is something for everyone,” she said.

Ann has exhibited her work in several African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States, Paris, Australia and New Zealand. Her last exhibition at Taupō Museum was in 2016, where she celebrated her 80th birthday and most of the works sold.

Taupo Museum is open 7 days from 10am to 4:30pm and entry is free to Taupo District residents and all children. Adults $5, seniors and students $3.