A group of artists has transformed ordinary road cones into colourful works of art, creating a display for the community to enjoy during the Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne festival.

The project began around three months ago after Sue Whale came up with the idea of inviting artists to decorate traffic cones.

Funding from Creative Communities Whakatāne helped pay for lights to go inside the cones, while Tracks donated the cones.

Visual and installation artist Tania Akehurst said the project would not have been possible without the support of the artists and sponsors.

Around 12 artists took part, representing a range of creative backgrounds, including painters, potters and wood carvers.

Each artist was free to interpret the cone in their own way, resulting in a variety of colourful and imaginative designs.

“There was no brief,” Akehurst said. “It’s turned out really great because everyone’s come along with their own ideas.”

Some artists reshaped the cones, while others carved, painted or cut patterns into them so the light could shine through.

Lisa Hay transformed the top of her cone into a crown with a beehive design underneath, while Pam Mossman created a windmill featuring pottery around its base. Malcolm Akehurst designed a witch, which has become a favourite among visitors.

“The kids really loved the windmill cone and the witch,” Akehurst said.

Beyond creating an eye-catching display, Akehurst said the project gave artists the opportunity to showcase their work outside of traditional gallery spaces and encouraged more people to become involved in future Light Festival installations.

Once the festival finishes, artists will be able to take their cones home; those who choose not to keep them can have their work displayed at Robin Watchorn’s gallery studio on Fortunes Road.

WITCH: Malcolm Akehurst’s Witch riding a broomstick-themed cone has become a favourite with visitors. E6057-01