Our Gatherings
We curate creativity and exceptional experiences, intertwining art with tailored workshops open to all ages. Through collective storytelling, we craft meaningful narratives while embracing nature and fostering creativity and care. Join us to contribute to a vibrant, interconnected community.
Book Reading
Join author for a reading of "Finding Grace | Kimihia a Grace" as she delves into the collaborative journey behind its creation. Discover how the illustrations, and by translat into Te Reo Māori, enriched the story. Emma will share insights on running workshops where kids painted the backgrounds of pages, fostering creativity. Explore how the book continues to inspire art and collective storytelling experiences, shaping a vibrant narrative community.
Creativity workshops
Immerse yourself in transformative creativity at The Light Library's workshops, led by Emma and collaborators. Rooted in nature, our Auckland-based sessions aim to spark inspiration and connection. Embrace our kaupapa: being with nature and creating together. Discover the stories of place and craft art that leaves a lasting mark. Join us as we blend creativity with the natural world on a journey of expression and exploration.
Create a Book Together
Join Emma Hinton and Nicky Hartley in co-creating "Seeking Will," the sequel to "Finding Grace | Kimihia a Grace.” Contribute words and artwork to craft the story of a boy and his dog facing a storm. Assist in creating abstract backgrounds for illustrations and have your name featured in the published book. Paint a page with natural pigments, keeping your transformed book. All participants receive a copy of "Seeking Will" upon publication.
The Light Library is not just a creative space; it's a vision brought to life. Through our unique blend of art, storytelling, and a deep connection with nature, we strive to inspire creativity and shape a world worth living in.
Creativity Workshops
Finding, Making and Returning
Finding treasures in nature, place and co-creating with them. Find natures treasure hidden, gather to share and make new treasure together, to care for and then return back to nature. Workshop includes an Author reading of the bilingual picture book, Finding Grace | Kimihia a Grace.
Enjoyed by Booktown Festival, Auckland libraries and parks, Botanic Gardens, Arataki Centre…
Leave Art and Words
A collaborative outdoor workshop. Create poetry and artwork using pens and leaves gathered on our journey. Immerse yourself in the stories of our environment. Reflect on its necessities for thriving. Use words and drawn leaves to craft unique pieces. Leave your creations for others to discover, enriching the natural space with shared and impermanent beauty.
This Place Has a Story to Tell
A workshop where we craft tales inspired by our surroundings. Gather to create A4 folded books, discussing stories from our discovery of this place. During our walk, shared prompts inspire stories or drawings about the moment, recorded in the book's sections. Upon return share some stories. Participants can take home or leave books for others to share in a pop library.
Kind Words
“We were greeted with a big smile from Emma and invited to personalise our carry bags and name tags for the mornings activities.The kids were immediately captivated. As the morning unfolded we were guided on a beautiful journey that involved collecting nature's treasures, observing the immediate environment and expressing our thoughts though storytelling, verse and visual art. We all felt spoiled and grateful to partake in this collective experience. The kids enthusiasm and attention lasted from beginning to end and we loved how Emma weaved Te reo and concepts of blessings and kaitiaki throughout the workshop”
Kirsten Clarke