Yvonne de Mille

 

Yvonne is an artist working in her community of Otaki on the Kapiti Coast, New Zealand. She works in a number of different media, including painting, printmaking, Installation art, fabric and other sculpture.  Yvonne is also an experienced event organiser and workshop facilitator, she has trained in various art therapies, has a Certificate in The Art of Health - Taruna College, and a Bachelor of Applied Art - Whitireia NZ, Wellington.

 

Her recent work explores; Love – nature vs. nurture, the vagaries of human nature and its influence on the innocence of youth.   The Irresistible force of war. The invisibility of the aged in western culture.

 

Yvonne is passionate about building community and works with schools, corporations, health institutions, community groups and art groups, - making kites and running art workshops with adults and children. Yvonne has organised many kite days and festivals and has made kites for dignitaries, corporations, musicians and politicians including former Prime Minister David Lange.

 

Yvonne was the instigator of the - now annual – Otaki Kite Festival and was a key organiser of the inaugural event in March 2013. This event brings together local businesses, school children and members of the local and wider community. It introduces international kite flyers, who share their knowledge and culture by interacting with the Otaki and wider community.

 

 

Awards

Sponsored invitation to International Kite festivals:

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2024 - Kerala, India

2023 - Ahmedabad, India

1999 - Cape Town, South Africa

1998 - Dubai, UA

1995 - Sydney, Australia - Presidents Choice Award

1995 - Kuantan, Malaysia - Second Prize.        

1994 - Sydney, Australia

1994 - Canberra, Australia

1994 - Perth, Australia

1993 - Sydney, Australia

1992 - Sydney, Australia

1992 - Brasilien, Germany

             

 

Exhibitions

2022 - Guest Artist - Otaki Pottery Club

2020- The Mahara Arts Review - Kapiti

2019 - The Mahara Arts Review - Kapiti

2017  _ Matariki Dawn - Mahara Gallery - Kapiti            

2015 - Toast - Pataka Art Museum - Wellington

2015 - Maelstrom – Fighting For Peace - National Library, Wellington

2015 - The Mahara Arts Review - Kapiti

2014 - The Friends of Pataka 2014 Arts Award - Wellington

2014 - Cahoot - Toi Poneke - Wellington

2014 – Matariki - Emerging Light Gallery, Plimmerton, Wellington

2009- Nowhere 09 – Pataka - Porirua, Wellington

1994 - Just an Eight Pointed Star-The Great Hall, Christchurch Arts Centre, C

1992 - Finalist WOW – World of Wearable Art

1992 - The Great Cloak Exhibition - Compendium Gallery, Devonport. - Highly Commended

1991 - Group Exhibition - Canterbury Craft Alliance - Rangiora, Canterbury

1991 - Christchurch Textile Arts - Christchurch Arts Centre, Christchurch

 

Community Involvement

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• 1986 – current, running art and kite making workshops

• 2019 - Artist in Residence Mahara Gallery

• Co-organiser Otaki Kite Festival 2014/16

• Co-ordinator Otaki Timebank 2013

• Initiator and key organiser Otaki Kite Festival - March 2013

• Initiator and key organiser Lantern Parade, Otaki July 2012

• Co-organiser Street Party, Otaki July 2012

• Member of Otaki Village Promotions Group 2012 - 2015

• Te Whare Ahuru Community Kite Making Project 2010

• Volunteer Stokes Valley Community House 2009

• Project K mentor 2004

• “Business In the Community” Mentor 2000 - 2011

• Initiating Wellington Sole Trader Network 1999

• Founding Member of Zonta International Rangiora (Waimakariri) 1995

• Initiated and implemented a number of community projects for Zonta International including the Environmental Award

• Organising 5 successful International Kite Festivals in Christchurch 1991 -1996

• Artist in residence Sunnyside Hospital, Christchurch 1994